- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

PhD position at University of Birmingham, UK
by Joseph Galea (School of Psychology) Jan. 18, 2016

Jan. 18, 2016

My name Is Joe Galea and I am a lecturer in Psychology at the University of Birmingham, UK. As part of an ERC starting grant I am looking for a PhD student for Sept/Oct 2016. Details can be found here: http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=46778&LID=148 I am really looking for someone with programming experience (computational modelling and/or programming robotics) who may want to apply this knowledge to the human/motor control domain. Anyone interested can email me: j.galea(a)bham.ac.uk<mailto:j.galea@bham.ac.uk> Many thanks, Joseph Galea School of Psychology University of Birmingham, UK.

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The International Conference on NeuroRehabilitation (ICNR2016)
by Jaime Ibánez Pereda Jan. 18, 2016

Jan. 18, 2016

------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- We apologize if you receive multiple copies of this announcement ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- The International Conference on NeuroRehabilitation (ICNR2016) Segovia, Spain October 18-21 http://www.icnr2016.org info(a)icnr2016.org ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- Dear colleagues, On behalf of all the organizers, it is our pleasure to invite you to the 3rd International Conference on NeuroRehabilitation (ICNR2016) that will take place in 'La Granja de San Ildefonso', Segovia (Spain) from October 18-21, 2016. Restoring human motor and cognitive function has been a fascinating research area during the last century. Interfacing the human nervous system with mechatronic systems to restore neuromotor abilities is facing its crucial passage between research and actual clinical reality, enhancing the potentialities of therapists, clinicians, and researchers to rehabilitate, diagnose and generate knowledge. The 2016 International Conference on Neurorehabilitation will bring together researchers and students from the fields of Clinical Rehabilitation, Applied Neurophysiology, and Biomedical Engineering to promote, feed and encourage this therapeutic global shift. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Segovia on October 2016! ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- *- Registration -* Prospective authors will submit extended abstract contributions (2 pages). All contributions will be peer-reviewed. Accepted contributions will appear in the Conference Proceedings, which will be published as a book by Springer. Also, the authors of the best papers of ICNR2016 will be invited to submit a substantially extended version of their papers for their publication in a special issue of the International Journal of Neural Systems (Impact Factor: 6.507). Participants can send their contributions by April 1, 2016, through the following Easychair link: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=icnr2016 After a selection process, accepted articles will be announced to authors on May 15, 2016. *- Important Deadlines and Registration Fees -* Conference Registration deadlines and fees (including welcome reception and gala dinner): Early student (until August 1): 300€ Early regular (until August 1): 550€ Student (after August 1): 450€ Regular (after August 1): 750€ Regular single day attendance: 300€ Preconference Workshop deadlines and fees: Early Workshop students (until August 1): 100€ Early Workshop regular (until August 1): 150€ Workshop students (after August 1): 150€ Workshop regular (after August 1): 250€ * If you also participate in the Conference, you will receive a 75€ discount in the Conf. Registration Fee. *- Confirmed Plenary speakers -* Prof. Alvaro Pascual-Leone, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard (USA) Marco Molinari, M.D., Ph.D., IRCCS Fondazione S. Lucia (Italy) Dario Farina, Ph.D., University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University (Germany) John B. Troy, Ph.D., Northwestern University, (USA) Hitoshi Hirata, M.D., Nagoya Universtiy, (Japan) Jonathan Wolpaw, M.D., Ph.D., Wadsworth Center (USA) ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- For further and up-to-date information, please visit the conference website: http://www.icnr2016.org Prof. José L. Pons & Prof. Jose M. Azorín Co-Chairs ICNR2016 http://www.ICNR2016.org <http://www.icnr2016.org/>

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Interdisciplinary post-doctoral position in cognitive neuroscience
by Schurger Lab Jan. 18, 2016

Jan. 18, 2016

Brain-behavior forecasting: Neural antecedents of spontaneous self-initiated movement and the forecasting of behavior from brain activity Interdisciplinary post-doctoral position in cognitive neuroscience Starting date: Fall 2016 Duration: 2 years (renewable for one additional year) The French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) invites applications for a post-doctoral position in the Cognitive Neuroimaging Group, at the NeuroSpin Research Center near Paris, France, as part of the research team of Dr. Aaron Schurger. The Schurger lab focuses on understanding how decisions are made and actions initiated spontaneously, without an external sensory cue, and how time series of neural activity (now) can be used to forecast behavior (seconds or minutes from now). We pursue this research using a combination of behavioral experiments, neuroimaging, computational modeling, time-series analyses, and machine learning techniques. We are particularly interested in attracting applicants from meteorology, macroeconomics, machine learning, statistics and other disciplines that involve a mastery of time series analysis, statistical learning, forecasting, and/or forecast verification. Applicants should have a obtained a PhD in a relevant discipline prior to the starting date, and should have strong skills in at least some of the following areas: computer programming (MatLab, Python, C, C++), statistics, signal processing, computational, mathematical, and/or neural network modeling, statistical learning / machine learning / mutivariate pattern classification, time series analysis, forecasting. Resources available at NeuroSpin include Siemens 3T and 7T MRI scanners; high-density EEG (EGI Inc.); Elekta NeuroMag 306-channel MEG (allowing for the simultaneous recording of EEG); eye tracking (available for MRI, MEG, and behavioral experiments); an in-house team of experts in signal processing and statistical learning; a dedicated staff handling subject recruitment, scheduling, and payment; various Nespresso devices; and proximity to Paris. Applicants should send a CV, letter of motivation (max 2 pages), and a list of three references via e-mail to aaron.schurger(a)gmail.com. Review of applicants will begin immediately, and will continue until the positions are filled. The NeuroSpin Research Center is located on the campus of the CEA-Saclay, near Orsay, about 18 km southwest of Paris. For more information on the NeuroSpin Research Center and the Cognitive Neuroimaging Group: http://www-centre-saclay.cea.fr/fr/Visite-guidee-de-NeuroSpin http://meg-france.in2p3.fr/_lesCentres/Neurospin_en.php http://www-dsv.cea.fr/en/institutes/institute-of-biomedical-imaging-i2bm/de… http://www.unicog.org/pm/pmwiki.php -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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DENDRITES 2016, June 18-21, Crete: CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
by Yiota Poirazi Jan. 18, 2016

Jan. 18, 2016

Dear Colleagues, You are kindly invited to attend the EMBO Workshop on Dendritic Anatomy, Molecules and Function (DENDRITES 2016) in Crete. Dendrites provide the substrate for inter-neuronal communication, and their nonlinear properties play a key role in information processing. Following a very successful meeting in 2014, Dendrites 2016 aims to bring together scientists from around the world to present their research on dendrites, ranging from the molecular to the anatomical and biophysical levels. With the backdrop of an informal yet spectacular setting on Crete, the meeting has been carefully planned not only to satisfy our scientific curiosity but also to foster discussion and encourage interaction between attendees well beyond traditional presentations. In this spirit, the workshop will also provide a soft skills day for the training of young researchers in subjects such as scientific writing/publication issues, fundraising and gender balance. Abstract submission for poster and oral presentation is open until *February 15, 2016*** On behalf of the organizing committee, Yiota Poirazi ------------------------------------------------------- EMBO Workshop on Dendritic Anatomy, Molecules and Function (DENDRITES 2016) Heraklion, Crete, Greece June 18-21, 2016 http://dendrites2016.gr/ <http://www.dendrites2016.gr/> _Invited speakers (scientific talks): _ Claudia Clopath Daniel Dombeck Casper Hoogenraad Arthur Konnerth Attila Losonczy Judit Makara Rishikesh Narayanan Elly Nedivi Jackie Schiller Erin Schuman Idan Segev Nelson Spruston Greg Stuart _Invited speakers (Career Issues in academia):_ Monica Di Luca, FENS President: "Publication issues: right time for a reality check" Camilla Belone, FENS-Kavli Scholar: "Retention of women in high levels of neuroscience - Perspectives" Emre Yaksi, FENS-Kavli Scholar: "Funding opportunities in Neuroscience: how to write a successful grant proposal" Matthew Larkum: "How to write an influential scientific publication" *CALL FOR ABSTRACTS* We are soliciting abstracts for oral and poster presentations. We welcome both experimental and theoretical contributions addressing novel findings, methods or databases related to dendrites that fall into one or more of the following domains: * morphological and functional characterizations, * dendritic integration and compartmentalization, * dendritic channel distribution and their functional implications, * molecular pathways and signaling networks, * RNA trafficking and local protein synthesis, * functional or structural plasticity and homeostasis, * the role of dendrites in complex processes, including learning/memory, neural computations etc. Please note that places are limited and subject to availability. Attendees are highly encouraged to submit abstracts for presentations, since presenters will be given priority for registration. Instructions for on-line submission can be found at http://www.dendrites2016.gr/call-for-papers *Important dates * * Abstract submission opens: December 15th, 2016 * Abstract submission closes: February 15th, 2016 * Notification of abstract acceptance: February 29th, 2016 * Notification of oral/poster presentation: early March 2016 _Organizing committee:_ Yiota Poirazi, IMBB-FORTH Michael Hausser, UCL * * Matthew Larkum, Humboldt University IMPORTANT NOTE: The Workshop takes place on the island of Crete and is followed by the AREADNE 2016 meeting <http://areadne.org/> (June 22-26th, 2016), focusing on Research in Encoding And Decoding of Neural Ensembles, on the neighboring island of Sandorini. DENDRITES 2016 participants are encouraged to consider attending both meetings. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Please see the conference web site http://dendrites2016.gr/ or send an email to info(a)dendrites2016.gr <mailto:info@dendrites.gr> -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Director of Research Computational Biology Laboratory Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385 GR 711 10 Heraklion, Crete, GREECE Tel: +30 2810 391139 <tel:+30%202810%20391139> Fax: +30 2810 391101 <tel:+30%202810%20391101> Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr <mailto:poirazi@imbb.forth.gr> http://www.dendrites.gr Chair http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/

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[INNS-BigData 2016] Call for Papers
by Teng Teck Hou Jan. 17, 2016

Jan. 17, 2016

[Apologies for cross-postings] ########################################################### CALL FOR PAPERS The 2nd INNS Conference on Big Data 2016 October 23-25, 2016, Thessaloniki, Greece http://conferences.cwa.gr/inns-big-data2016/ ########################################################### Big data is not just about storage of and access to data. Analytics play a big role in making sense of that data and exploiting its value. But learning from big data has become a significant challenge and requires development of new types of algorithms. Most machine learning algorithms can't easily scale up to big data. Plus there are challenges of high-dimensionality, velocity and variety. The neural network field has historically focused on algorithms that learn in an online, incremental mode without requiring in-memory access to huge amounts of data. This type of learning is not only ideal for streaming data (as in the Industrial Internet or the Internet of Things), but could also be used on stored big data. Neural network technologies thus can become significant components of big data analytics platforms and this second edition of INNS Conference on Big Data will continue on this collaborative adventure with big data and other learning technologies. Thus the aim of this conference is to promote new advances and research directions in efficient and innovative algorithmic approaches to analyzing big data (e.g. deep networks, nature-inspired and brain-inspired algorithms), implementations on different computing platforms (e.g. neuromorphic, GPUs, clouds, clusters) and applications of Big Data Analytics to solve real-world problems (e.g. weather prediction, transportation, energy management). #################### Important dates ##################### - Tutorial and workshops proposals: February 15th, 2016 - Notification of tutorial and workshops proposals: February 20th, 2016 - Paper submission: April 30th, 2016 - Notification of paper acceptance: May 30th, 2016 - Camera-ready submission (AISC): June 11th, 2016 - Early registration: June 20th, 2016 Registration deadline: papers without confirmed registration by June 24th 2016 risk their inclusion in the proceedings ########################################################## #################### Invited speakers #################### - Francesco Bonchi, ISI Foundation, Torino, Italy - Stephen Furber, University of Manchester, UK - Rudolf Kruse, OVG University of Magdeburg, Germany - Piotr Mirowski, Google Deep Mind, London, UK ########################################################## #################### Organizing committees ############### General Chairs - Plamen Angelov, Lancaster University, UK - Yannis Manolopoulos, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece Program Chairs - Lazaros Iliadis, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece - Asim Roy, Arizona State University, Tempe USA - Marley Vellasco, PUC-Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Advisory Board - Nikola Kasabov, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand - Ali Minai, University of Cincinnati, USA - Danil Prokhorov, Toyota Tech Center, Michigan, USA - Theodore Trafalis University of Oklahoma, USA - G. Kumar Venayagamoorthy, Clemson University, USA Tutorials/Workshop Chairs - Apostolos Papadopoulos, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece - Bernardete Ribeiro, Portugal Poster Session Chairs - Yi Lu Murphey, University of Michigan-Dearborn, USA Special Sessions Chairs - Irwin King, Chinese University of Hong Kong, China - Luca Oneto, University of Genoa, Italy Panel Chairs - Leonid Perlovsky, Harvard University, Boston, USA Awards Chair - Araceli Sanchis de Miguel, Carlos III University, Spain Competitions Chairs - Adel Alimi, University of Sfax, Tunisia Publication Chairs - Mariette Awad, American University of Beirut, Lebanon - Danilo Mandic, Imperial College, London, UK Publicity Chairs - Jose Antonio Iglesias Martinez, Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain - Simone Scardapane, The Sapienza University of Rome, Italy - Teck Hou Teng, Singapore Management University, Singapore International Liaison Chairs - Petia Georgieva, University of Aveiro, Portugal - De-Shuang Huang, Tongji University, Shanghai, China Local Organizing Committee: - Anastasios Gounaris, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece WebMaster - Yannis Karydis, Ionian University, Greece ########################################################## ############# Paper Submission and Publication ########### * Original works submitted as a regular paper limited to a maximum of 14 pages in Springer format will be published in the proceedings to be available electronically as a Springer book in ADVANCES IN INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS AND COMPUTING Series, to download for delegates. * It will be peer-reviewed by at least three PC members on the basis of technical quality, relevance, originality, significance and clarity. * At least one author of an accepted submission to the conference should register with a regular fee to present their work at the conference. ########################################################## #################### Awards ############################## * Best papers will be selected and awarded as follows: - Best regular paper - Best student paper * This will be based on a combination of reviewers' comments, presentations and importance and quality judged by a panel. * Best paper awards (500 Euros) are donated by the sponsor Springer Verlag, Germany and will be commemorated by a certificate. ########################################################## ###### Topics and Areas include, but not limited to ###### * Autonomous, online, incremental learning - theory, algorithms and applications in big data * High dimensional data, feature selection, feature transformation - theory, algorithms and applications for big data * Scalable algorithms for big data * Learning algorithms for high-velocity streaming data * Big data streams analytics * Deep neural network learning * Machine vision and big data * Brain-machine interfaces and big data * Cognitive modeling and big data * Embodied robotics and big data * Fuzzy systems and big data * Evolutionary systems and big data * Evolving systems for big data analytics * Neuromorphic hardware for scalable machine learning * Parallel and distributed computing for big data analytics (cloud, map-reduce, etc.) * Big data and collective intelligence/collaborative learning * Big data and hybrid systems * Big data and self-aware systems * Big Data and infrastructure * Big data analytics and healthcare/medical applications * Big data analytics and energy systems/smart grids * Big data analytics and transportation systems * Big data analytics in large sensor networks * Big data and machine learning in computational biology, bioinformatics * Recommendation systems/collaborative filtering for big data * Big data visualization * Online multimedia/ stream/ text analytics * Link and graph mining * Big data and cloud computing, large scale stream processing on the cloud ########################################################## #################### Co-Sponsors ######################### * International Neural Network Society (INNS) * Springer ##########################################################

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Postdoctoral position in analyzing and modeling dendritic morphology and growth
by Erik De Schutter Jan. 15, 2016

Jan. 15, 2016

Postdoctoral researcher and staff scientist positions are available in the Computational Neuroscience Unit <https://groups.oist.jp/cnu> of Prof. Erik De Schutter at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University <http://www.oist.jp/>, Japan. We are looking for a postdoc with a (computational) neuroscience background to study the morphology and growth of neuronal dendrites in the olivocerebellar system. We investigate this from the perspective of neuron populations and consider the relations between neighboring dendrites explicitly (Context-aware modeling of neuronal morphologies <http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnana.2014.00092/abstract>). Experience required in either (semi-automated) reconstruction of neural structures or in analysis and modeling of neural morphology. Depending on experience and interest the focus of the research can be analysis of in vivo and EM data and/or modeling the growth of forests of dendrites. You will collaborate with scientists at OIST and abroad in addition to the daily interaction with other researchers and students in the lab who are working on cerebellar modeling projects, analyzing cerebellar recordings or developing software. We offer attractive financial and working conditions in an English language graduate university that emphasizes interdisciplinary research, located on the beautiful subtropical island of Okinawa. Send curriculum vitae, a summary of research interests and experience, and the names of three referees to Prof. Erik De Schutter at erik(a)oist.jp <mailto:erik@oist.jp> Prof. Erik De Schutter Computational Neuroscience Unit Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-Son Okinawa 904-0495 JAPAN phone: +81-98-966-8727 fax: +81-98-966-8718 erik(a)oist.jp <mailto:erik@oist.jp> http://groups.oist.jp/cnu <http://groups.oist.jp/cnu>

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Postdoctoral postion in development of model description languages
by Erik De Schutter Jan. 15, 2016

Jan. 15, 2016

Postdoctoral researcher or staff scientist positions are available in the Computational Neuroscience Unit <https://groups.oist.jp/cnu> of Prof. Erik De Schutter at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University <http://www.oist.jp/>, Japan. We are looking for a postdoc with a computer science or engineering background who is interested in the development of XML-based methods for model description and simulation. You will collaborate with international colleagues on further development of NIneML (http://nineml.net) and deploy it within the research group, possibly also use it for your own network modeling research. Previous experience related to collaborative projects in computational neuroscience or systems biology preferred. You will interact with other researchers and students in the lab who are working on cerebellar modeling projects or analyzing cerebellar recordings. We offer attractive financial and working conditions in an English language graduate university that emphasizes interdisciplinary research, located on the beautiful subtropical island Okinawa. Send curriculum vitae, a summary of research interests and experience, and the names of three referees to Prof. Erik De Schutter at erik(a)oist.jp <mailto:erik@oist.jp> Prof. Erik De Schutter Computational Neuroscience Unit Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-Son Okinawa 904-0495 JAPAN phone: +81-98-966-8727 fax: +81-98-966-8718 erik(a)oist.jp <mailto:erik@oist.jp> http://groups.oist.jp/cnu <http://groups.oist.jp/cnu>

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Funding for M.Sc and Ph.D Research Visits in Berkeley for Germans - Integrating Deep Learning and Knowledge Representation
by Manfred Eppe Jan. 14, 2016

Jan. 14, 2016

Dear Community, The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers the very attractive 'FITweltweit' program to support German Computer Science and Informatics students who want to carry out M.Sc or Ph.D research abroad, for a period of 1 to 6 months. The AI group of the International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) at Berkeley is currently investigating the integration of deep neuronal Machine Learning and Knowledge Representation and Reasoning. Towards this, we are looking for motivated and skilled students who plan to write their thesis in this area, and who are interested in collecting experience in the wonderful city of Berkeley, California, near Silicon Valley in the San Francisco bay area. For details about eligibility and the program in general please consider the following DAAD website (note that, unfortunately, only students who are currently involved in the German academic systems can be funded): https://www.daad.de/ausland/studieren/stipendium/de/19047-internationale-fo… The local supervisor at Berkeley is Manfred Eppe, who primarily has a background in AI, Knowledge Representation and Reasoning, and Cognitive Robotics. While there are also Machine Learning Experts at ICSI, it would be useful if the interested student had another supervisor with a background in Machine Learning at the home university in Germany, or if the student already had an exceptionally strong record and research experience in Machine Learning. Possible research topics include, but are not limited to: * Symbol Grounding and Conceptualization in Deep Feature Networks * Representation and Exploitation of Relations between Features in Deep Networks * Semantic and Symbolic Visualization of Deep Networks * Supporting Reinforcement Learning with Classical Action Planning or Formal Reasoning * Semantic Classification and Object Recognition * Evolutionary Linguistics and Emergent Semantics with Neuronal Nets Application domains include, but are not limited to: * Robotics * Multi Agent Systems * Planning and Scheduling * Qualitative Spatial and Temporal Reasoning * Computer Vision * AI in Computer Games * Natural Language Understanding The FITweltweit fellowship is offered by the DAAD, and the prospective student is ultimately responsible himself for preparing the DAAD application. We have no influence on the success of an application, but we offer support in preparing the research plan and other paperwork, such as visa-related issues. It has been reported that the acceptance rate for the FITweltweit program is relatively high. According to the details provided on the DAAD website, research visits can last between 1 and 6 months, with financial support of monthly 925 EUR for Master students and 1350 EUR for doctoral students, plus travel allowance for the flight in both cases. We recommend to stay for at least 3 months (better 6). We offer a comfortable infrastructure within an internationally renowned research institute with office space, help to finding housing and accommodation in the bay area, as well as a very friendly and supportive working atmosphere (with free coffee, too!). We ask the interested student to send us a CV and an extended preliminary abstract about the planned research (max. 1 page). The CV should include relevant courses that you have taken at university. In your email, please also indicate the period in which you plan to come. Herein, please allow for a buffer and be conservative with your planning. Consider that it takes around three months for the DAAD to send you a decision about the application, and around 1-2 months to obtain the visa. Please note that the research visit should happen in 2016. Please send your documents by 1st February 2016 to eppe(a)icsi.berkeley.edu, and please get in touch earlier if you have any questions. Best Regards, Manfred Eppe -- - Dr. Manfred Eppe International Computer Science Institute University of California at Berkeley 1947 Center Street, 6th floor Berkeley, CA 94704 California, USA phone (USA): +1 510 646 3318 phone (Germany): +49 176 2153 2311 web: www.manfred.eppe.eu mail: eppe(a)icsi.berkeley.edu skype: manfred.eppe ************************** ****** Sapere Aude! ****** **************************

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Lectureship in "data science"
by Thomas Nowotny Jan. 14, 2016

Jan. 14, 2016

The School of Engineering and Informatics at the University of Sussex is appointing lecturers in computer science, including one lecturership in ³data science² <http://www.sussex.ac.uk/aboutus/jobs/566>. Even though the advert doesn¹t give it justice, this includes the relevant areas of Computational Neuroscience and the new lecturer would be free to join the Evolutionary and Adaptive Systems (EASy) group (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/easy/) at Sussex. The University of Sussex (http://www.sussex.ac.uk) is located on the South Coast of England in the beautiful sea-side town of Brighton. Interested people working in relevant areas of Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics are strongly encouraged to apply. Feel free to contact me for informal enquiries and please circulate in your professional networks. With kind regards, Thomas Nowotny -- Prof. Thomas Nowotny CCNR, Sussex Neuroscience Phone: +44-1273-678593 Engineering and Informatics Fax: +44-1273-877873 University of Sussex Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ http://sussex.ac.uk/informatics/tnowotny

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FACULTY POSITION IN QUANTITATIVE LIFE SCIENCES AT ICTP, TRIESTE ITALY
by Matteo Marsili Jan. 14, 2016

Jan. 14, 2016

FACULTY POSITION IN QUANTITATIVE LIFE SCIENCES AT THE ABDUS SALAM INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR THEORETICAL PHYSICS (ICTP). ICTP is seeking applicants for a new faculty position in its recently established Quantitative Life Sciences (QLS) research section. QLS responds to the theoretical challenges arising from recent advances in large-scale experiments in biology and neurosciences. The successful applicant will play a leading role in establishing the new section, promoting cutting-edge research in quantitative biology and supervising graduate students. Areas of interest include systems biology, biological networks, systems and computational neuroscience. Applicants should have an outstanding international reputation with at least 4 years of scientific research experience. The position, which will start in October 2015, will be at the P3 UNESCO level, with a starting salary of $78100. Other benefits include family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance. Full details of the position, along with a link to the UNESCO online application, are available on ICTP's employment webpage and at http://www.ictp.it/about-ictp/personnel-office/employment.aspx <http://www.ictp.it/about-ictp/personnel-office/employment.aspx> The deadline is 3 June 2015. For further information please contact ICTP's Personnel Office at personnel_office(a)ictp.it <mailto:personnel_office@ictp.it>. ICTP, based in Trieste, Italy, provides a top class multi-disciplinary research environment in theoretical sciences, with cutting edge research, education and training, and it has been a driving force behind global efforts for the advancement of science in the developing world.

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Job Posting: Research Engineer/Scientist, Brain-Computer Interface, Machine Learning, Computational Neuroscience
by Behnood Gholami Jan. 14, 2016

Jan. 14, 2016

*AreteX Systems, Inc. – New York, NY* AreteX Systems, a medical technology startup company accelerating the use of information technology in healthcare, has an immediate opening for a Research Engineer/Scientist in its office located in New York City. The position involves developing signal processing algorithms for innovative biomedical technologies involving physiological signals. We are looking for a self-motivated, highly talented individual with an excellent background in signal processing, machine learning, and brain-computer interface. The successful candidate will work closely with a team of physicians, nurses, engineers, and scientists in designing new clinical decision support systems. Candidates with experience in the analysis of experimental data derived from---but not limited to---auditory/visual/cross-sensory psychophysical, EEG, ECG, and galvanic-skin conductance, data would be given a higher priority. *Minimum Requirements:* - MS or PhD in electrical engineering, computer science, biomedical engineering, applied mathematics, or a similar discipline. - Knowledge of advanced concepts in signal processing. - Research experience in biosignal analysis or brain-computer interface applications. - Knowledge of methods, theory, and application of machine learning techniques. - Proficient at writing technical papers/reports/presentations. - Experience with Python. *Preferred Qualifications:* - Prior expertise and exposure using non-invasive human physiological measures such as EEG, ECG, galvanic-skin conductance (electrodermal activity), or other categorically similar methodologies. - Prior experience with mechanical ventilation and fluid management technologies in the intensive care units. - Knowledge of control systems design and dynamical systems modeling. - Prior experience in feature extraction from physiological signals. - Experience working with quantitative methods of neural data analysis. Send your cover letter and CV to info(a)aretexeng.com.

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postdoc and PhD positions Max Planck Research Group Neural Circuits
by Johannes Seelig Jan. 14, 2016

Jan. 14, 2016

The Max Planck Research Group "Neural Circuits" at the center of advanced european studies and research (caesar) in Bonn, Germany, is looking for postdocs (Reference: Postdoc Neural Circuits 2016) and Ph.D. students (Reference: Ph.D. Neural Circuits 2016). The main focus of Johannes Seelig’s lab is to understand adaptive neural circuits underlying sensorimotor integration and the impact of neuromodulators on these circuits. We apply the latest tools and methods in two photon imaging, optogenetics, and electrophysiology to relate the activity of populations of neurons in behaving animals to computational models of neural circuits. We are looking for candidates with a strong quantitative background in neuroscience, biophysics or related fields (physics, chemistry, engineering, molecular biology). A strong expertise in optical imaging, data analysis, programming, instrumentation, and previous work in a genetic model organism (such as fruit fly or mouse) would be ideal. Caesar is part of a cluster for neuroscience in the Bonn-Cologne region, comprising the universities of Bonn and Cologne, the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and two Max Planck Institutes. The Institute hosts the International Max Planck Research School for Brain & Behavior and is involved in the Bonn International Graduate School of Neuroscience. More information on the group can be found at http://www.caesar.de/seelig.html. Please send an email to johannes.seelig(a)caesar.de<mailto:johannes.seelig@caesar.de> for informal enquiries and/or submit your application at our job portal: www.caesar.de<http://www.caesar.de> Johannes Seelig research center caesar - center of advanced european studies and research, an associate of the Max Planck Society Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2 53175 Bonn Germany email: johannes.seelig(at)caesar.de <file://localhost/javascript/linkTo_UnCryptMailto('nbjmup+kpibooft:tffmjhAdbftbs:ef')%3B>phone: +49 (0)228 9656-190 fax: +49 (0)228 9656-9190

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Meeting on Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity
by Mark van Rossum Jan. 14, 2016

Jan. 14, 2016

Discussion meeting at the Royal Society, London, April 19 & 20, 2016 Integrating Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity You are kindly invited to this meeting organized by Kevin Fox and Michael Stryker which will bring together computational and experimental neuroscientists to discuss how interactions between Hebbian plasticity and homeostatic plasticity occur and how they can be detected and interrogated at the systems level. Talks by: John Lisman, Taro Toyozumi, Brent Doiron, Mark van Rossum, Wulfram Gerstner, Gina Turrigano, Philip Haydon, Lu Chen, Hey-Kyoung Lee, Michael Stryker, Kevin Fox, Daniel Feldman, Tara Keck, Frank Sengpiel and Mark Hübener. Register at https://royalsociety.org/events/2016/04/integrating-plasticity/ Poster deadline March 11th. -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

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study abroad programs in Budapest
by Érdi Péter Jan. 14, 2016

Jan. 14, 2016

Dear All: BSCS-US announces its two programs in Budapest for 2016. 1. Our regular program: BSCS - BUDAPEST SEMESTER IN COGNITIVE SCIENCE PHILOSOPHY TO NEUROSCIENCE will be held in the Fall of 2016, see http://www.bscs-us.org/ . 2. We opened also a new program now in its second year: ***************************************** Systems Neuroscience: a study abroad summer program Program start/end dates June 12th- Aug 5th, 2016 The BSCS Systems Neuroscience Program takes place at and academically supervised by the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University Medical School, Budapest **************************************** For details, see: http://sysneuro-semester.org/ Inquiry: Péter Érdi (SysNeuro Director; BSCS Co-Director) perdi(a)kzoo.edu bscs(a)bscs-us.org, jhegedus(a)kzoo.edu

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Call for Workshops and Tutorials at Alife
by Izquierdo, Eduardo J. Jan. 13, 2016

Jan. 13, 2016

CALL FOR WORKSHOPS AND TUTORIALS The ALife XV Organizing Committee invites proposals for Tutorials and Workshops to be held in conjunction with the Fifteenth International Conference on the Synthesis and Simulation of Living Systems (ALife XV), which will be held in Cancun, Mexico on July 4th-8th, 2016. http://xva.life<http://xva.life/> If accepted, ALife will provide the onsite logistics (seminar rooms, projectors, coffee breaks, and lunches) and links from the main conference website. All other organizational issues – including separate review process and proceedings publication, if any – are taken care of by the workshop chairs. Therefore, any workshop-specific requests from participants should be exclusively addressed to them, not to the ALife committee. The internal organization of the satellite workshops and tutorials (website, paper submission, invited talks, proceedings, all deadlines except registration) is entirely left up to their respective organizers. Participation in workshops and tutorials requires conference registration. IMPORTANT DATES Submission of Workshop/Tutorial Proposals is open now. We will receive applications until January 15th, 2016. The notification of acceptance will be given within two weeks of receiving the proposal. Workshop/Tutorial Information and/or submission proposal: workshops(a)xva.life<mailto:workshops@xva.life> WORKSHOP PROPOSALS The ALife XV workshops are intended to be forums to present and discuss new approaches, visions, or critical reflections within a research area. They provide an excellent opportunity to meet people with similar interests, to be exposed to cutting-edge research and to exchange ideas in an informal setting. The organizers of an accepted workshop are responsible for its coordination and its publicity (e.g., for sending out call for papers/abstracts), for collecting and reviewing the papers/abstracts, and for maintaining a webpage providing a list of accepted talks. The workshops are typically half day long. The format can be decided by the organizers who are encouraged to plan interactive sessions. TUTORIAL PROCESS ALife XV tutorials will be presented by domain experts to cover current topics relevant to artificial life researchers and practitioners. Each tutorial will be 3 hours long, then we encourage to include into the tutorial also demos and interactive activities. Accepted tutorial’s slide sets will be published on ALife XV website. SUBMISSION PROCESS Each tutorial/workshop proposal should include: 1) title of the workshop/tutorial 2) name(s) and affiliation(s) of the organizer(s)/inspector(s), with relative contact details 3) a short CV of the organizer(s)/instructor(s) 4) a brief description (half-page) of the workshop/tutorial topics Only for workshops: 5) potential target participants and audience 6) roughly approximated number of participants 7) rough estimate of the number of talks All proposals must be sent to: workshops(a)xva.life<mailto:workshops@xva.life> Looking forward to your submissions. Best wishes, Eduardo J. Izquierdo, ALife XV Workshop Chair Assistant Professor, Cognitive Science Program, Indiana University

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Postdoc positions in Systems Neuroscience at McGill University (Adrien Peyrache)
by Adrien Peyrache Jan. 13, 2016

Jan. 13, 2016

Dear colleagues, We are looking for talented and enthusiastic postdoc candidates to join our team at McGill University (Montreal Neurological Institute). The lab focuses on the neuronal dynamics underlying spatial navigation, sleep and learning and uses cutting-edge techniques combining high density electrophysiological recordings and optogenetics in behaving animals. Starting date: summer 2016. The successful candidate should have either a strong background in neurophysiology or computational neuroscience. Candidates should send a resume, a brief statement of research interests and the names of two references to Dr. Adrien Peyrache ( adrien.peyrache(a)gmail.com) The candidates must hold a PhD for less than 3 years. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. McGill University is committed to equity in employment and diversity. It welcomes applications from Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, visible minorities, women, and others who may contribute to diversification.

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2016 QBio, abstract submission Jan 22
by Jesus Cortes Jan. 13, 2016

Jan. 13, 2016

Dear all We are organizing the 2016 Quantitative Biomedicine Workshop One-page abstract (free-format) submission finalizes on Jan 22. Confirmed speakers are: Rafael MOLINA SORIANO (University of Granada) Cesar CABALLERO (BCBL) Iñigo GABILONDO (BioCruces) Banafshe LARIJANI (CSIC-UPV/EHU) Markus DAHLEM (Institut für Theoretische Physik-Technische Universität Berlin) Paolo BONIFAZI (BioCruces) Eugenio IGLESIAS (BCBL) Mauro D’AMATO (BioCruces) Dante CHIALVO (CONICET) Denis DOORLY (Imperial College London) Alessandro VENEZIANI (Emory) Daniela CALVETTI (Case Western University) For further information visit http://www.bcamath.org/en/workshops/qbio2016 Best Greetings Luca Gerardo-Giorda (BCAM), Sebastiano Stramaglia (University of Bari) and Jesus M Cortes (Biocruces Health Research Institute)

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CFP: Special Issue "Wireless Sensor Networks for Measuring the Impact of Human Activities over Different Environments" in (IJDSN)
by Sandra Sendra Jan. 13, 2016

Jan. 13, 2016

=================================================== International Journal of Distributed Sensor Networks (IJDSN) Special Issue "Wireless Sensor Networks for Measuring the Impact of Human Activities over Different Environments" http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijdsn/si/567042/cfp/ Deadline for manuscript submissions: January 29, 2016 ---------------------------------------------------- === SPECIAL ISSUE - CALL FOR PAPERS === Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are nowadays used in a wide variety of applications, such as military surveillance, scientific exploration, structural monitoring, and environmental monitoring applications, among others. These sorts of networks are complex systems whose correct operation mainly depends on the integration of physical sensors, computation processes, and communication between devices. Advances in smart device and sensor networks will drive innovation in important sectors such as energy efficiency, city/building design, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. Moreover, human actions motivated by achieving various purposes cause side effects on our environment. While the intended effects are usually positive, at least for those who promote action, side effects can be positive but very often are negative. Some most basic actions of how we do our day-to-day routines are the following: the way people move around the city, how people get rid of your waste, excessive cultivation or exploitation of natural resources, misuse of electrical appliances, or celebrating holidays with music and pyrotechnics, among others, which can have a significant impact on our environment, whether natural, social environments, or on our heritage. For these reasons and taking into account the advantages that WSNs offer, this special issue aims to focus on new proposals and developments of WSNs for monitoring and evaluating the impact of human activity on the environments that surround us. Authors are invited to submit their original and unpublished research contributions to this special issue in relevant areas of WSNs, proposing new design concepts, architectures, and applications versus resource constraints and energy conservation. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: - WSN issues and technologies for monitoring the effects of human behaviors on the environment - Design of energy-efficient WSNs, hardware, software, and systems for monitoring sensitive environments - Real-world case studies of WSNs where the effects of human behaviors are analyzed - WSNs data management - Prototyping of experimental WSNs and its test bench - Evaluation of WSNs in sensitive scenarios - WSNs for emergency response in natural/man-made disasters - New proposals of WSNs architectures - Efficient communication for WSNs architectures - WSN for sustainable human behaviors - Sustainable WSN for environmental sustainability Authors can submit their manuscripts via the Manuscript Tracking System at: http://mts.hindawi.com/submit/journals/ijdsn/miha/ === IMPORTANT DATES === Manuscript Due: Friday, 29 January 2016 First Round of Reviews: Friday, 22 April 2016 Publication Date: Friday, 17 June 2016 === SPECIAL ISSUE EDITORS === Lead Guest Editor Prof. Dr. Jaime Lloret Mauri (jlloret(a)dcom.upv.es) Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Spain Guest Editors Dr. Sandra Sendra (sansenco(a)posgrado.upv.es) Integrated Management Coastal Research Institute, Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Spain Dr. Danda B. Rawat (db.rawat(a)ieee.org) Georgia Southern University, Georgia, USA Dr. Kayhan Z. Ghafoor (kayhan(a)ieee.org) Salahaddin University, College of Engineering, Kirkuk Road Erbil, Kurdistan Region-Iraq ===================================================

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call for participation Frontiers Research Topic "Burst coding: from cell to cognition”
by Zeldenrust, Fleur Jan. 12, 2016

Jan. 12, 2016

Dear colleagues, This is a call for participation in a Frontiers Research Topic titled "Burst coding: from cell to cognition” (for a description, see below). We, the editors, would highly value your participation. If you would like to contribute, please follow the following link: http://journal.frontiersin.org/researchtopic/4374/burst-coding-from-cell-to… Abstract deadline: 1 February 2016 Manuscript deadline: 30 June 2016 Please note that reviews at Frontiers allow and encourage a discussion between the authors and the reviewers. As editors we would like to further encourage you to use this opportunity, while guaranteeing from our side that a constructive discussion with the reviewers will have a positive influence on the evaluation of your work. Let us know if you have any questions about the Research Topic. We look forward to hearing from you soon. With kind regards, Fleur Zeldenrust Bernhard Englitz Wytse J. Wadman Guest Associate Editors, Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience BURST CODING: FROM CELL TO COGNITION Bursting is a firing mode of neurons in which they respond to and input with a group of high frequency action potentials, followed by a period of relative silence. These bursts can be generated intrinsically in neurons themselves, or they can be the result of network activity. Many different systems show a burst-firing mode next to a tonic-firing mode. Despite the ubiquity of bursting, the question of the functional properties of bursts remains unknown: why do some systems rely on bursts for their information transmission and what do bursts code for? We encourage authors to contribute their expertise, both from experimental and from computational backgrounds, on this question on the fundamental properties of burst coding. Papers should address one or more of the following issues: 1. Burst generation. How can different systems generate bursts? This includes both the single neuron level (active dendritic calcium, sodium dynamics, ‘ping-pong’ mechanisms) and the network level (synchronization, inhibition). 2. Differences between systems. In what brain areas of what animals do bursts occur (region CA3 of the rodent hippocampus, mammalian thalamus, weakly electric fish, insect auditory receptors), and what are the similarities/differences in the properties of these systems? 3. Detection and analysis of bursts. The detection of bursts is mostly done using inter-spike interval distributions or return maps; these give a typical inter-spike interval. Often, inter-spike intervals and spike amplitudes change over the course of a burst, making the last spikes in a burst hard to detect. This makes the analysis of burst challenging. Moreover, many traditional tools for the analysis of spike trains cannot be used to analyse spike trains that include bursts without some form of correction for it (reverse correlation techniques, Spike Coincidence Factor). 4. Information processing (burst coding). What are the functional information processing effects of bursts? These include decoding (resonance coding or inter-spike interval coding, burst duration coding), encoding (what stimulus features trigger bursts?), and other coding properties (reliability at unreliable synapses, feature detection for bursts versus stimulus estimation for single spikes, ‘wake-up call’ function of bursts). 5. Relation between bursts and pathology. The burst-firing mode of the thalamus has been associated with sleep and anaesthesia, and therefore with pathological conditions, before evidence showed that bursts also occur in awake states. Bursting in the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus is associated with Parkinson’s disease; high-frequency cortical oscillations are thought to be a hallmark of epilepsy, but their origins have been disputed. Are there more relations between the burst-firing mode and pathological conditions? 6. Relation between bursts and behaviour. Bursts of complex spike cells play an important functional role in hippocampal place cells. In the oculomotor system bursts play an important role in generating saccades. In weakly electric fish, bursts are a response to ‘communication-like’ stimuli, but not to ‘prey-like’ stimuli. Thalamic bursts have a much stronger effect on their cortical targets than single spikes. These results suggest that bursts can have a different signalling function then single spikes, often associated with different behaviour. ABOUT FRONTIERS RESEARCH TOPICS Founded by scientists in 2007, Frontiers is a community-rooted open-access publisher, driving innovations in peer review, article-level metrics and research networking. The "Frontiers in" journal series hosts 54 journals covering more than 350 academic specialties, with a network of over 200,000 leading researchers worldwide. Frontiers is a registered member of the Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (http://www.oaspa.org/member/Frontiers) and was recognized by the ALPSP Award for Innovation in Publishing in 2014. The idea behind a Frontiers Research Topic is to create a comprehensive collection of peer-reviewed articles that address a specific theme of research, as well as a forum for discussion and debate. Contributions can be articles describing original research, methods, hypothesis & theory, opinions, and more. Please see the relevant journal for a full list of accepted article types. Frontiers will also compile an e-book, as soon as all contributing articles are published, that can be used as educational material, be sent to foundations that fund your research, to journalists and press agencies, or to your professional network. E-books are free to read and download. Once published, your articles will be free to access for all readers, indexed in relevant repositories, and as an author in Frontiers, you retain the copyright to your own papers and figures. FRONTIERS PUBLISHING FEES Manuscripts accepted for publication are subject to publishing fees, which vary depending on the article type. All Research Topic manuscripts receive a discount on publishing fees; please see here for a full fee table, and further relevant FAQs: http://www.frontiersin.org/about/PublishingFees. http://www.frontiersin.org/Mail/IbarMail.aspx?op=4&msgid=10350094&msg=In

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Application Deadline Approaching: School on Neurotechniques 2016, Padova, Italy
by Mufti Mahmud Jan. 12, 2016

Jan. 12, 2016

Dear All, Sorry for the cross posting. I am glad to communicate that the NeuroChip Laboratory of University of Padova, Italy is organizing a School on Neurotechniques with special emphasis on "Tools for Investigating the Function of Neural Circuits". The school will be held from February 15 – 19, 2016 and the deadline for application is January 20, 2016. The following topics will be covered in the school: 1. Multi-electrode and multi-transistor arrays 2. Implantable brain probes for acute and chronic recording 3. Transcranic magnetic stimulation 4. Mixed electrophysiology, genetics and behavior approaches 5. Closed-loop electrophysiology and neuromorphic systems 6. Genetically encoded fluorecent probes 7. Signal Analysis 8. Calcium imaging 9. Neuron cultures techniques 10. In vivo electrophysiology Thank you for your attention. Best regards, Mufti Mahmud, PhD Call for participation School on Neurotechniques 2016: The toolbox for investigating the function of neural circuits 15-19 February 2016 NeuroChip Lab, University of Padova, Italy Website: http://www.vassanellilab.eu/school-neurotechniques/ OBJECTIVE Investigating information processing and identifying operational rules of brain neural circuits relies on the capability to selectively record and stimulate multiple neurons within a network. The toolbox of available techniques conceived to meet this need is rapidly expanding. The CSN School on Neurotechniques 2015 will offer an overview on advanced electrical- and light-based recording methods of neuronal excitability, focusing on those that are most relevant for the investigation of neural networks ‘in vitro’ and ‘in vivo’ and for application in neuroprosthetics. Techniques derived from information theory for the analysis of neuronal population signals will be presented and practical demonstrations of experimental recording sessions provided. The school targets doctoral students, post-doctoral researchers, scientists working in the related fields. Since the school's topics are interdisciplinary covering neurobiology, neuronal biophysics, microscopy, and electronics, preliminary knowledge in these fields is highly recommended. SPEAKERS Luca Berdondini Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, IT Stefano Ferraina University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’, IT Michele Giugliano University of Antwerp, BE Giacomo Indiveri INI, Zurich , CH Jonathan Mapelli University of Modena, IT Marcello Massimini University of Milan , IT Nurmikko Arto Brown University, Providence, USA Tullio Pozzan CNR Rome, IT Themis Prodromakis University of Southampton, UK Roland Thewes University of Berlin, DE Paul Verschure ICREA at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, ES Guenther Zeck NMI at the University of Tuebingen, Reutlingen, DE Ralf Zeitler Venneos, Stuttgart, DE Davide Zoccolan SISSA, Trieste, IT REGISTRATION To apply, please register at ( http://www.vassanellilab.eu/school-neurotechniques/school-neurotechniques-2…) on or before January 20, 2016. If you have any further questions, please contact silviamaria.lattanzio(a)unipd.it or stefano.vassanelli(a)unipd.it The registration is FREE, however, the number of places are limited. The registration is sponsored by the European Commission, Project CSNII csnetwork.eu (GA No 601167, FP7, FET Proactive, Neuro-Bio-Inspired Systems). Travel and accommodation costs are not funded. LOCATION The school will be hosted by the NeuroChip Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via f. Marzolo 3, 35131 - Padova, Italy. The location is very close the city centre and is easily reachable from the railway or bus station of Padova. WHEN February 15-19, 2016. Target audience (N = ~25 active full-time): PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, scientists, members of associated EC CSNII consortia. -- Mufti Mahmud, PhD Postdoctoral Research Fellow NeuroChip Lab <http://www.vassanellilab.eu/> - Dept. of Biomedical Sciences <http://www.biomed.unipd.it/?L=1> University of Padova Via f. Marzolo 3 35131 - Padova, Italy Lab: +39 049 827 5308 Fax: +39 049 827 5301 https://sites.google.com/site/muftimahmud/

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Workshop on Hearing and Speech Processing at the KITP in Santa Barbara, summer 2017
by Reichenbach, Johann D T Jan. 12, 2016

Jan. 12, 2016

Dear colleagues, I am writing to announce the multi-disciplinary workshop entitled "Physics of Hearing: From Neurobiology to Information Theory and Back”. Organized by Hervé Boulard, Maria Neimark Geffen, Jim Hudspeth as well as myself, and sponsored by the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP, http://www.kitp.ucsb.edu) this event will take place in Santa Barbara, California, for the eight weeks from Tuesday 30 May through Friday 21 July 2017 (note that this means 2017, not 2016!). The program's emphasis is on the development of a deeper theoretical understanding both of the biophysical constraints of the nervous system and of the mathematical structure of natural sounds, their modeling, and their processing. We plan to cover the following topics: Biophysics and active sensing in the inner ear, Neuronal mechanisms of dynamic auditory coding, Oral communication in nonhuman species, Learning in the auditory pathway and language development, Psychoacoustics and human auditory modeling, Mathematical structure of natural sounds, Mathematical structure of speech and speech-recognition technology, Compressed sensing and sparse recovery modeling, and Deep neural networks for speech recognition. The main goal of the program is to stimulate new research directions and collaborations between program participants. We expect this to yield significant progress both in the neurobiology of hearing as well as in speech-recognition technology. Our Scientific Advisors are Dolores Bozović (UCLA), Judit Gervain (Univ. Paris Decartes), Hynek Hermansky (John Hopkins Univ.), Josh McDermott (MIT), Cynthia F. Moss (John Hopkins Univ.), Mari Ostendorf (Univ. Washington), Shihab Shamma (Univ. Maryland), Malcolm Slaney (Google), and Ruedi Stoop (ETH Zurich). Other long-term participants include Richard Aslin (Univ. Rochester), Alain de Cheveigne (Univ. Paris Decartes), Stephen David (Oregon H&S Univ.), Philip Garner (IDIAP), Andrea Hasenstaub (UCSF), Dick Lyon (Google), Fanny Meunier (UCL), Paris Smaragdis (Univ. Illinois), Lynne Werner (Univ. Washington), and Sarah Woolley (Columbia Univ.). The program will run for eight weeks, with around 30 simultaneous participants, speakers, and students present at any time, and around 100 participants in total over the eight weeks of the workshop. The KITP provides shared offices and computing infrastructure for all program attendants such that participants can work efficiently during their stay. The KITP will also provide free accommodation in its newly constructed Residence on the edge of the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara. The Institute will further provide support for living expenses. Funding for travel to and from Santa Barbara is available if these costs cannot be covered otherwise; and financial assistance for bringing family members can be provided. More information on available funding as well as on the program can be found online at http://www.kitp.ucsb.edu/activities/dbdetails?acro=hearing17. My colleagues and I would be delighted if you would join us in this remarkable opportunity for a broad synthesis of multi-disciplinary research on hearing and speech processing. If you wish to participate, please set up an account and apply online on the above website. It will help us with our planning if you apply early, including your proposed length of stay and any financial requirements. Please note that participants need to stay for at least three weeks to qualify for support from the KITP. With best wishes, Tobias Reichenbach ------------------------------------------- Tobias Reichenbach Lecturer, Biophysics of Hearing Editor, Heliyon Department of Bioengineering Imperial College London South Kensington Campus SW7 2AZ London, UK http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/reichenbach/

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research assistant position available
by Dominik Endres Jan. 12, 2016

Jan. 12, 2016

A research assistant position (salary commensurate with 65% TV-H E13) for a highly motivated individual is available in the group of theoretical Neuroscience headed by Prof. Dr. Dominik Endres. The Group is located in the Department of Psychology at the Philipps-University of Marburg, Germany. The position is initially for one year, extensible given satisfactory performance. The position is intended to facilitate a scientific qualification, specifically a German doctorate (PhD equivalent). The position is embedded in the Collaborative Research Center SFB 135, http://www.forschungsallianz-gi-mr.de/projekte/sfb/wahrnehmung. Duties include active, self-motivated participation in the research and teaching activities of the group, in particular a) the development of quantifiable theoretical models about movement perception based on movement primitives, and b) the experimental testing of such models using the new virtual-reality facility of the department. Prerequisites are a Master's degree or German Diplom in one of the following areas: theoretical Neuroscience, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Cognitive Science or Psychology with a minor in one of the aforementioned fields. Programming experience in Python, C++ or similar are advantageous. Applications with experience in machine learning, computer graphics or behavioral experimentation will be preferred. Applicants' skills in these areas will be tested as a part of the recruitment procedure. The academic environment is a vibrant scientific community at the Research Alliance Giessen/Marburg comprising the IRTG 1901 International Research Training Group investigating The Brain in Action (http://www.irtg-brainact.de/) and a Collaborative Research Center (SFB 135, http://www.forschungsallianz-gi-mr.de/projekte/sfb/wahrnehmung) on the Cardinal Mechanisms of Perception, thus offering an excellent environment for cutting edge research on the intersections between different disciplines ranging from experimental psychology and human movement science to computational modeling, machine learning, psycholinguistics and the neurobiology of action. Applications should include a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and Master's transcripts or similar records, and the addresses of 2 referees. The initial application should be sent by email to Prof. Dr. D. Endres (dominik.endres(a)uni-marburg.de) no later than Jan. 26th, 2016 (earlier applications preferred). Please do not sent originals by mail, because we will not be able to return them to you. We will not cover travel costs to/from Marburg for job interviews. The Philipps-University of Marburg is an equal opportunity employer. Relevant paper: Endres, D., Chiovetto, E. & Giese, M. A. (2013). Model selection for the extraction of movement primitives. Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience, 7(185) -- Prof. Dr. Dominik Endres AE Theoretische Neurowissenschaft Allgemeine und Biologische Psychologie FB Psychologie, Gutenbergstr 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany Tel. +49-(0)6421-28-23818

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[meetings] Living Machines V: Second Call for Papers, Satellite Events and Sponsors
by Nathan F Lepora Jan. 11, 2016

Jan. 11, 2016

Second Call for Papers, Satellite Events and Sponsors Living Machines V: The 5th International Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems 18th to 22nd July 2016 http://csnetwork.eu/livingmachines/conf2016 To be hosted at the Dynamic Earth Edinburgh, Scotland In association with the Heriot Watt University and University of Edinburgh Accepted papers will be published in Springer Lecturer Notes in Artificial Intelligence Submission deadline March 11th, 2016 ___________________________________________________________ ABOUT LIVING MACHINES 2016 The development of future real-world technologies will depend strongly on our understanding and harnessing of the principles underlying living systems and the flow of communication signals between living and artificial systems. Biomimetics is the development of novel technologies through the distillation of principles from the study of biological systems. The investigation of biomimetic systems can serve two complementary goals. First, a suitably designed and configured biomimetic artefact can be used to test theories about the natural system of interest. Second, biomimetic technologies can provide useful, elegant and efficient solutions to unsolved challenges in science and engineering. Biohybrid systems are formed by combining at least one biological component—an existing living system—and at least one artificial, newly-engineered component. By passing information in one or both directions, such a system forms a new hybrid bio-artificial entity. The theme of the conference also encompasses biomimetic methods for manufacture, repair and recycling inspired by natural processes such as reproduction, digestion, morphogenesis and metamorphosis. The following are some examples of “Living Machines” as featured at past conferences: • Biomimetic robots and their component technologies (sensors, actuators, processors) that can intelligently interact with their environments. • Active biomimetic materials and structures that self-organize and self-repair. • Nature-inspired designs and manufacturing processes. • Biomimetic computers—neuromimetic emulations of the physiological basis for intelligent behaviour. • Biohybrid brain-machine interfaces and neural implants. • Artificial organs and body-parts including sensory organ-chip hybrids and intelligent prostheses. • Organism-level biohybrids such as robot-animal or robot-human systems. ACTIVITIES The main conference will take the form of a three-day single-track oral and poster presentation programme, 20th to 22nd July 2016, hosted at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, Scotland. The conference programme will include five plenary lectures from leading international researchers in biomimetic and biohybrid systems, and the demonstrations of state-of-the-art living machine technologies. Agreed speakers are: *Antonio Bicchi*, University of Pisa (robotics, haptics and control systems) *Frank Hirth*, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry (evolutionary neuroscience) *Yoshihiko Nakamura*, University of Tokyo (biomimetics in humanoids) *Thomas Speck*, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (plants and animals as concept generators for biomimetic materials and technologies) *Barbara Webb*, University of Edinburgh (perceptual systems; control of behaviour in insects and robots) The full conference will be preceded by up to two days of Satellite Events hosted by the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh. SUBMITTING TO LIVING MACHINES 2016 We invite both full papers and extended abstracts in areas related to the conference themes. All contributions will be refereed and accepted papers will appear in the Living Machines 2016 proceedings which we expect to be published in the Springer-Verlag LNAI Series. Full papers (minimum 8 pages, up to 12 pages) are invited from researchers at any stage in their career and should present significant findings and advances in biomimetic or biohybid research. More preliminary work would be better suited for short papers submission (minimum 4 pages, with a maximum of ten references and no more than three self-citations). Full papers will be accepted for either oral presentation (single track) or poster presentation. Extended abstracts will be accepted for poster presentation only. Authors of the best full papers will be invited to submitted extended versions of their paper for publication in a special issue of the Taylor & Francis journal Connection Science. Satellite events Active researchers in biomimetic and biohybrid systems are invited to propose topics for 1-day or 2-day tutorials, symposia or workshops on related themes to be held 18-19th July at the School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh. Events can be scheduled on either the 18th or the 19th or across both days. Attendance at satellite events will attract a small fee intended to cover the costs of the meeting. There is a lot of flexibility about the content, organisation, and budgeting for these events. Please contact us if you are interested in organising a satellite event! EXPECTED DEADLINES March 11th, 2016 Paper submission deadline April 29th, 2016 Notification of acceptance May 16th, 2016 Camera ready copy July 18-22 2016 Conference SPONSORSHIP Living Machines 2016 is part-sponsored by the Convergent Science Network (CSN) for Biomimetics and Neurotechnology. CSN is an EU FP7 Future Emerging Technologies Co-ordination Activity that also organises two highly successful workshop series: the Barcelona Summer School on Brain, Technology and Cognition (https://bcbt.upf.edu/bcbt15) and the Capocaccia Neuromorphic Cognitive Engineering Workshop ( https://capocaccia.ethz.ch/capo/wiki/2015) The 2016 Living Machines conference will also be hosted and co-sponsored by Heriot Watt University. Call for Sponsors. Other organisations wishing to sponsor the conference in any way and gain the corresponding benefits by promoting themselves and their products to through conference publications, the conference web-site, and conference publicity are encouraged to contact the conference organisers to discuss the terms of sponsorship and necessary arrangements. We offer a number of attractive and good-value packages to potential sponsors. ABOUT THE VENUE Living Machines 2016 will be hosted at Dynamic Earth ( http://www.dynamicearth.co.uk) a 5 star visitor attraction in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic old town, next door the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace. Dynamic Earth is a visitor experience that invites you to take a journey through time to witness the story of planet Earth. Through a series of interactive exhibits, state of the art technology and even a 4D encounter you will feel the heat of a bubbling volcano, face the chill of polar ice, fly across the globe before crash landing in a tropical rainforest. Attendees at the conference will receive a discount voucher to visit the Dynamic Earth exhibit. Workshops will be held at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics in George Square, a short walk from Edinburgh city centre. Organising Committee: Mark Desmulliez, Heriot Watt University (Co-chair) Tony Prescott, University of Sheffield (Co-chair) Nathan Lepora, University of Bristol (Programme Chair) Michael Mangar, University of Edinburgh (Satellite Events Chair) Anna Mura, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Communications) Paul Verschure, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (International Steering Committee)

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PhD Studentship available on Computational Intelligence for Artificial Agents Cognition and Interaction
by Di Nuovo, Alessandro Jan. 11, 2016

Jan. 11, 2016

Dear all, This is to announce a PhD Studentship available on Computational Intelligence for Artificial Agents Cognition and Interaction The project explores the use of Computational Intelligence techniques to simulate the human-like cognition abilities and use them to address complex real-world problems in which artificial agents should autonomously learn and interact with human beings. In particular, it investigates the novel deep learning paradigm offers a highly biologically plausible way to train neural network architectures with many layers, inspired by the hierarchical organization of the human brain. Impressive results have been obtained in several areas, where deep learning architectures have outperformed state-of-the-art algorithms on various tasks, such as computer vision, automatic speech recognition, natural language processing, and human action recognition. the position advertised within the SHU VC & ACES Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) PhD Scholarship Schemes 2016 (Project n. 6 in Computing and Informatics). Deadline for the application is 29th of January 2016. Please follow the link below for more information. http://www.shu.ac.uk/ad/studentships/ which has general information on the types of scholarships available, eligibility criteria and profiles of 2015 VC scholars (the landing page can also be found by clicking on the featured link on the SHU website home page). From the landing page, applicants can then click through to more detailed application information, according to discipline. Note that students are chosen in competition with students who choose projects in other fields, which means that we would particularly encourage strong applicants with very good academic marks and previous research experience to apply. All applicants are encouraged to contact a prospective supervisor before submitting an application. If you are interested on the project, please contact the project lead: Dr Alessandro Di Nuovo (a.dinuovo(a)shu.ac.uk)

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CNS*2016 Call for Workshop Proposals
by Thomas Nowotny Jan. 11, 2016

Jan. 11, 2016

CNS 2016 Jeju, South Korea: Call for Workshops We are requesting proposals for workshops 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 with just a few of the headaches of actually organizing it. Workshop proposal submission instructions for CNS 2016 The last two days (July 6-7) of the 25th annual CNS meeting will be devoted to workshops, in which computationally related neuroscience topics can be presented and discussed. Workshops can be anywhere between one half to two days in duration. Usually several speakers are invited to introduce a unifying theme, but ample time for discussion should also be planned. Submit workshop proposals to: workshops(a)cnsorg.org<mailto:workshops@cnsorg.org>. The Past Meetings page<http://www.cnsorg.org/past-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: 1. Workshop Title 2. Organizers (list primary organizer first; include affiliations and emails) 3. Duration (half day, one or two days, there are 2 sessions per day) 4. Number of expected speakers 5. Brief Description (~150 words; if possible, say why this is significant or timely) 6. 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 of only one workshop. * The number of confirmed speakers is one of the criteria 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. Workshops submitted before January 31, 2016 will be given priority in acceptance. Workshop proposals arriving after January 31, 2016 will be evaluated based on remaining space for additional workshops. No further workshop acceptances are anticipated after May 15, 2016. We are looking forward to your submissions. Thomas Nowotny, Workshop Organizer CNS*2016 -- Prof. Thomas Nowotny CCNR, Sussex Neuroscience Phone: +44-1273-678593 Engineering and Informatics Fax: +44-1273-877873 University of Sussex Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ http://sussex.ac.uk/informatics/tnowotny

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CfP - MLUB 2016 - International Workshop on Machine Learning for Understanding the Brain
by Emre Akbas Jan. 11, 2016

Jan. 11, 2016

Please accept our apologies if you receive multiple copies of this call. 1st International Workshop on Machine Learning for Understanding the Brain, MLUB 2016 June 28-29 2016, Ankara, Turkey http://mlani.ceng.metu.edu.tr/ * Call for papers: International Workshop on Machine Learning for Understanding the Brain (MLUB) welcomes original and unpublished work on theory, systems, algorithms and applications related to Machine Learning and understanding techniques for modeling and analysis of brain in various modalities, such as, fMRI, sMRI, EEG, MEG, fNIRS. The workshop focuses on but is not limited to the following topics: - Learning and inference on neuroimaging data - Cognitive state classification - Functional Connectivity - Sparse Techniques - Multimodal Learning - Multi-Subject Learning - Efficient Algorithms for Large-Scale Data - Brain Network Embedding - Cognitive Computing - Software Simulation of the Brain - Pattern and Object Recognition - Cognitive Machine Learning - Modeling - Vision Models of the Brain - Memory Model of the Brain - Neural Models of the Brain - Visualization - High-Dimensional Neuroimaging Data Visualization - Brain Network Visualization - Network Summarization - Applications - Resting-State Data Analysis - Task-Based Data Analysis - Diagnosis of Diseases - Brain Computer Interface We call for paper contributions with a maximum length of 4 pages (double-column, IEEE style, PDF) for review. Accepted submissions will be assigned to one of the oral sessions. Every accepted submission has to be presented at the workshop by one of the paper's authors. All accepted and presented submissions will be included in the workshop proceedings and will be published by IEEE Xplore. * Important dates: Paper submission deadline: February 26, 2016 Notification of acceptance: March 22, 2016 Camera ready Submission: March 29, 2016 Workshop: June 28-29, 2016 * Executive Committee Fatos T. Yarman Vural (Middle East Technical University) Tulay Adali (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) Enis Cetin (Bilkent University) Haluk Bingol (Bogazici University) Huseyin Boyaci (Bilkent University) * Technical Program Chairs Sinan Kalkan (Middle East Technical University) Emre Akbas (Middle East Technical University) Mete Ozay (Tohoku University) * For more information: http://mlani.ceng.metu.edu.tr/

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Data Science Engineer
by paulo rodrigues Jan. 8, 2016

Jan. 8, 2016

Dear colleagues, Mint Labs <http://www.mint-labs.com> is looking to fill a R&D position on data science. Mint Labs is a multi-disciplinary science and engineering start-up. The company's mission is to develop technologies to better understand the human brain and the diseases that affect it. Our primary focus is on neuroimaging methods, including MRI, that yield insights into the living brain. *Context* You thrive on the idea of using tools that aid the communication of results such as Ipython notebooks? You are not satisfied with how computational science is currently being done and have ideas on how to make it more effective at curing diseases? You enjoy interacting with new groups of people and are comfortable communicating with dozens to hundreds of scientists? The challenge is to develop analysis systems for multidimensional medical datasets that include imaging. Mint Labs is a SaaS platform that focus on integrating diverse clinical, imaging, genomic, and other data to better evaluate disease progression and response to interventions. *Objectives of the position* - Support the interaction with several external research partners and clients to develop both bioinformatics analysis and visualizations on data in collaboration with neurologists, statisticians and other bioinformaticians. - Work with the newest technologies in data analysis and -omics data. - Create web-accessible records that are reproducible and re-usable of all your analysis. - Work with our software team that develops the web platform to communicate requirements and features for product development. - Automate the execution of new analysis methods using scripting and statistical programming. - Assist in the evaluation and implementation of data and imaging curation tools. - Develop practical methods for non-programmers to communicate reproducible results by integrating new and existing tools into our platform - Detect, model and normalize batch and experimental artifacts in experimental data. *Desired profile, Skills* - You have experience working within a team of scientists, statisticians and software engineers to compile and format large, high-dimensional data sets for downstream analysis. - You have software development experience, including strong programming skills in a high-level language especially Python, R and/or matlab. Experience with Linux shell scripting recommended. - Ideally, you would be experienced with developing advanced ipython notebooks or other interactive frameworks. - Ideally, you are familiar with neuroimaging data types such as anatomical data, diffusion or functional imaging. - You have a graduate degree in a quantitative field such as engineering, applied math, computer science, bioinformatics etc or are an exceptional undergraduate with bioinformatics experience. *A great R&D environment* We're a growing, product-centric team located in Barcelona Spain. We strive on solving hard problems with creative solutions, and have fun during the process - after all we are in Barcelona. As an engineer on our team, you'll tackle the challenges that arise as we build a large-scale system for data processing and distribution. The scale at which our systems must operate requires highly-performing algorithms and data structures. Solving complex distributed systems and ensuring data security are essential. We're looking for independent thinkers with a deep understanding of the problems we are solving who are not afraid to significantly influence how this system is improved. We hire for people, not roles -- if you don't see an interesting job description but believe that you can add value to Mint Labs, we would love to hear from you. In addition, the researcher/engineer will interact closely with top researchers worldwide, using our platform. ***Contact**: * team(a)mint-labs.com, paulo(a)mint-labs.com ***Application**: * Interested candidate should send CV and motivation letter ᐧ

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Neuroimaging Engineer opportunity
by paulo rodrigues Jan. 8, 2016

Jan. 8, 2016

Dear colleagues, Mint Labs <http://www.mint-labs.com> is looking to fill a R&D position on neuroimaging processing. Mint Labs is a multi-disciplinary science and engineering start-up. The company's mission is to develop technologies to better understand the human brain and the diseases that affect it. Our primary focus is on neuroimaging methods, including MRI, that yield insights into the living brain. *Context* The challenge is to develop analysis systems for multidimensional medical datasets that include imaging. Mint Labs is a SaaS platform that focus on integrating diverse clinical, imaging, genomic, and other data to better evaluate disease progression and response to interventions. You thrive in analyzing data, developing pipelines to process imaging data, and integrate multiple data points into meaningful group conclusions? You are experienced in volumetric, diffusion, rs-fMRI studies, and are not shy about Python, bash, R or whatever tool fits the work? *Objectives of the position* The position hinges on processing of very large databases. Important novelties of the project are: - Building predictive models to discriminate multiple pathologies in large inhomogeneous datasets. - Using and improving advanced connectomics and brain-parcellation techniques in dMRI / fMRI. - Support the interaction with several external research partners and clients to develop neuroimaging analysis *Desired profile* We are looking for a doctoral or post-doctoral fellow to hire in beginning of 2016. The ideal candidate would have some, but not all, of the following expertise and interests: - Experience in advanced processing of MRI, dMRI and fMRI - General knowledge of brain structure and function - Good communication skills to write high-impact neuroscience publications - Good computing skills, in particular with Python. Cloud computing experience is desired. *A great R&D environment* We're a growing, product-centric team located in Barcelona Spain. We strive on solving hard problems with creative solutions, and have fun during the process - after all we are in Barcelona. As an engineer in our team, you will tackle the challenges that arise as we build a large-scale system for data processing and distribution. The scale at which our systems must operate requires highly-performing algorithms and data structures. Solving complex distributed systems and ensuring data security are essential. We are looking for independent thinkers with a deep understanding of the problems we are solving who are not afraid to significantly influence how the system can be improved. We hire for people, not roles -- if you don't see an interesting job description but believe that you can add value to Mint Labs, we would love to hear from you. In addition, the post-doc will interact closely with top researchers worldwide, using our platform. ***Contact**: * team(a)mint-labs.com, paulo(a)mint-labs.com ***Application**:* Interested candidate should send CV and a motivation letter

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PhD position in computational neuroscience: Identification of Metastable Cortical Dynamics Underlying Cognitive Decisions (Bournemouth University-IDIBAPS)
by Emili Balaguer-Ballester Jan. 8, 2016

Jan. 8, 2016

PhD position in Computational Neuroscience 'Identification of Metastable Cortical Dynamics Underlying Cognitive Decisions' (Bournemouth University-IDIBAPS Barcelona) A PhD position is available in 3-years fully-funded project 'Identification of Metastable Cortical Dynamics Underlying Cognitive Decisions'; based at Bournemouth University (UK) https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/centre/interdisciplinary-neuroscience-re… and at the Biomedical Research Institute August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS, http://www.idibaps.org/en_index.htm, University of Barcelona, Spain). Do we have analysis tools for a reliable identification of the dynamical processes underlying decision-making? This is a fundamental question, touching the very basics of our understanding of neural computation and hence one of the most exciting topics in neuroscience. However, to reconstruct in detail neural dynamics generating cognitive decisions is a major challenge for current methodologies. This would be a highly significant advance; for instance the identification of stable dynamical patterns of activity in hippocampus deserved to win the last Nobel Prize. The aim of the project is to develop innovative approaches designed for the identification of metastable dynamics underlying cognitive decisions. We aim for the fusion of statistical learning approaches to pattern discovery with methods for identifying neural attractor dynamics and neurocomputational modelling. The novel approach will reconstruct neural dynamics during tasks specifically designed at Sanchez-Vives Lab in rodents and in human subjects at the Bournemouth EEG lab. The training possibilities that this interdisciplinary project offers are multiple and relevant in building-up a high-profile as a neuroscientist. The student will benefit from the vibrant scientific environment of neural computation and neurosciences at BU https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/centre/interdisciplinary-neuroscience-re… and at the cortical networks lab; embedded in the renowned systems neuroscience network in Barcelona http://www.sanchez-vives.org/. Applicants holding a degree in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science or similar disciplines are welcome. Interest or previous training in neuroscience or laboratory experience and a strong mathematical (dynamical systems, partial differential equations) or machine learning background would be very welcome. The researcher would be based at the Faculty of Science, Bournemouth University, and work with Dr Balaguer-Ballester at the Computational Neuroscience laboratory in the context of the interdisciplinary group for neurosciences; and would spend prolonged periods of time in the Cortical Networks Lab (IDIBAPS, Barcelona) led by Prof Maria Victoria Sanchez-Vives; providing an outstanding opportunity to gain a diverse experience of both neuro-computational and experimental approaches. For formally applying and more information please visit https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/pgr/funded-phd-studentships-in-the-facul… The deadline is on the 29th of February, 2016 BU is a Disability Two Ticks Employer and has signed up to the Mindful Employer charter. Information about the accessibility of University buildings can be found on the BU DisabledGo webpages This email is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender and delete this email, which must not be copied, distributed or disclosed to any other person. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Bournemouth University or its subsidiary companies. Nor can any contract be formed on behalf of the University or its subsidiary companies via email.

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ECCV 2016 Workshops: Call for Proposals
by Hamdi Dibeklioglu Jan. 8, 2016

Jan. 8, 2016

ECCV 2016 Workshops: Call for Proposals Important dates Proposal Deadline: Tuesday, March 1st, 2016 Notification: Friday, April 1st, 2016 Workshop dates: Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th, Sunday 16th, October 2016 Call for proposal We solicit proposals for workshops that will be held together with the 14th European Conference on Computer Vision (ECCV’2016). Workshops will take place on October 10th, 11th and 16th at the same venue as the main conference. We welcome proposals on emerging topics that are anticipated not able to be fully explored in the main conference. The purpose of workshops is to provide a comprehensive forum and encourage in-depth discussion of various technical and application issues in our research field. Workshop registration, venue, as well as proceedings will be handled as part of the main conference by the ECCV organizers. Since both space and time are limited, we expect the selection process to be competitive. The topic coverage, the proposers’ credential, the interested audience, and relevance of the topic will all be considered in the selection process. Proposers may be asked to provide additional information, modify part of the proposals, or combine with another one. Since the camera-ready deadline is set to be July 25, 2016, the proposers must come with a submission/review schedule that meets this deadline. Note this year, the ECCV workshops will be coordinated together with the ACM International Conference on Multimedia. So please specifically address in your proposal if your workshop would of interest to the Multimedia research community. Submission guidelines Proposals should be submitted by email to workshops(a)eccv2016.org by March 1st 2016. The candidate workshop organizers will be notified of the decision on April 1st. Proposals should be in PDF format and include the following information: · Workshop title. · Proposers' names, titles, affiliations, and primary contact email. · Topics that will be covered. · Relevance to the computer vision community · Relevance to the multimedia community · Experience that make the proposers well suited for organizing the workshop. · Rough program outline (including preference for half- or full-day event, estimated numbers of orals, posters, and invited talks). · Names and bios of any tentative/confirmed invited speakers · Anticipated target audience as well as expected number of attendees. · Description of how this proposal relates to previous workshops at CVPR/ICCV/ECCV (be as specific as possible). · Any special space or equipment requests. Contact For any questions, please contact the workshop chairs via workshops(a)eccv2016.org Gang Hua Hervé Jegou http://www.eccv2016.org/

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PhD training opportunity in Systems Neuroscience - London
by Adam Kampff Jan. 8, 2016

Jan. 8, 2016

Dear colleagues, The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre <http://www.ucl.ac.uk/swc/about> for Neural Circuits and Behaviour (SWC) is a new institute funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the Wellcome Trust. Located within University College London, the SWC combines advanced molecular, optical, physiology and behaviour approaches to investigate how brain circuits create neural representations and guide behaviour. We are excited to announce a new programme for exceptional PhD candidates. SWC studentships are open to UK and international applicants and cover research expenses, full payment of tuition fees and provide a competitive tax-free stipend in line with the Wellcome Trust stipend scale. SWC PhD students will receive intensive training in experimental techniques, and in conjunction with the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit (co-located with SWC), the programme will provide a comprehensive introduction to theoretical and systems neuroscience. Applicants should have a strong scientific and analytical background, a keen interest in neuroscience, and a relevant first degree. *Application deadline is January 31st, 2016* Enquires should be sent to swc-admissions(a)ucl.ac.uk Full details of our programme, and how to apply, are available here: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/swc/phd The research interests of the SWC group leaders are described here: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/swc/research Sincerely, Adam Kampff Yoh Isogai Troy Margrie Andrew Murray John O'Keefe

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2nd Call for Applications - 2016 Nengo Summer School
by Peter Blouw Jan. 7, 2016

Jan. 7, 2016

Hello! [All details about this school can be found online at http://www.nengo.ca/summerschool] The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo is inviting applications for our 3rd annual summer school on large-scale brain modeling. This two-week school will teach participants how to use the Nengo software package to build state-of-the-art cognitive and neural models to run in simulation and on neuromorphic hardware. Nengo has been used to build what is currently the world's largest functional brain model, Spaun [1], and provides users with a versatile and powerful environment for designing cognitive and neural systems to run in simulated and real environments. We welcome applications from all interested graduate students, research associates, postdocs, professors, and industry professionals. No specific training in the use of modeling software is required, but we encourage applications from active researchers with a relevant background in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, robotics, neuromorphic engineering, computer science, or a related field. For a look at last year's summer school, check out this short video: https://goo.gl/wy4dNC [1] 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://nengo.ca/publications/spaunsciencepaper] ****Application Deadline: February 15, 2016**** *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! *Topics Covered*: Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to: - build perceptual, motor, and sophisticated 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 various kinds of neuromorphic hardware (e.g. SpiNNaker) - interface Nengo with cameras and robotic systems - implement modern nonlinear control methods in neural models - and much more… *Date and Location*: June 5th to June 17th, 2016 at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. *Applications*: Please visit http://www.nengo.ca/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 (pblouw(a)uwaterloo.ca) We look forward to hearing from you!

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Marie Curie PhD position in Vienna
by Frank Rattay Jan. 7, 2016

Jan. 7, 2016

Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher (PhD) position is available in Vienna at TU Wien. Title: Simulation of the synaptic exocytosis of bipolar cells in the electrically stimulated retina. The position is funded by the European Commission in the framework of the H2020 Marie Sk?odowska Curie Initial Training Network 'switchBoard'. The switchBoard project aims at training 15 young scientists at the interface of neurobiology, information processing and neurotechnology, with focus on synaptic physiology, transgenic technology, models of retinal degeneration, method development and the application of retinal circuit principles for signal processing in artificial vision chips. The proposed project aims to develop a model that predicts glutamate release from ON and OFF bipolar cells evoked by electrical stimulation by an electrode array, as used in current retinal implants. Details: http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/index.cfm/jobs/jobDetails/34049001

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ICMNS 2016: Abstract Deadline Extended to Jan. 15, 2016
by Zachary Kilpatrick Jan. 6, 2016

Jan. 6, 2016

*Abstract deadline extended to January 15, 2016* https://icmns2016.inria.fr/call-for-contributions/ <https://icmns2016.inria.fr/call-for-contributions/> International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS 2016) at the Congress Center in Juan-les-Pins on the French Riviera May 29 to June 1, 2016 Tutorials: May 29 Main Conference: May 30 - June 1 https://icmns2016.inria.fr/ <https://icmns2016.inria.fr/> CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Wulfram Gerstner (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) John Rinzel (New York University) Antoine Triller (École Normale Supérieure de Paris) Rachel Kuske (U British Columbia) Jonathan Rubin (U Pittsburgh) Hinke Osinga (U Aukland) Carina Curto (Penn State University) Ruben Moreno-Bote (Foundation Sant Joan de Deu) Hiroya Nakao (Tokyo Institute of Technology) Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Si Wu (Beijing Normal University) Alex Roxin (Centre de Recerca Matematica) PROGRAM COMMITTEE Toni Guillamon (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) Roland Potthast (U Reading) Gregory Faye (Université Paul Sabatier ) Wilhelm Stannat (TU Berlin) Jonathan Touboul (College de France) Gilles Wainrib (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Suzanne Ditlevsen (University of Copenhagen) Boris Gutkin (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Martin Wechselberger (U Sydney) Jonathan Rubin (U Pittsburgh) Martin Krupa (INRIA Sophia Antipoilis) Carlo Laing (Massey University) Andre Longtin (U Ottawa) Daniele Avitabile (U Nottingham) Jose Carrillo (Imperial College) Pascal Chossat (Université Nice Sophia Antipolis) Carson Chow (National Institutes of Health) Steve Zucker (Yale University) Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Rachel Kuske (U British Columbia) Laura Sacerdote (Universita di Torino) Reinhard Hopfner (Johannes-Gutenberg Universitat) Olivier Faugeras (INRIA - Sophia Antipolis) Paul Bressloff (U Utah) Steve Coombes (U Nottingham) CONFERENCE CHAIRS Romain Veltz (INRIA - Sophia Anitpolis) Zachary Kilpatrick (U Houston) Evelyn Buckwar (Johannes Kepler Universitat Linz)

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Assistant/Associate Professor of Mathematics (Biomathematics) at North Carolina A&T State University
by Choongseok Park Jan. 6, 2016

Jan. 6, 2016

*Assistant/Associate Professor of Mathematics (Biomathematics) * The Department of Mathematics at North Carolina A&T State University invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track assistant or associate professorship in Biomathematics available in August 2016. The Department encourages persons from all areas of biomathematics to apply but is particularly interested in areas at the interface of mathematics and biosciences such as mathematical epidemiology, mathematical neurosciences, mathematical modeling of drug delivery and disease intervention/ prevention, mathematical and statistical methods for human genetics and population growth, biomedical imaging processing, stochastic modeling of biological and biomedical processes. The Department of Mathematics seeks candidates to join a growing Department with interactive faculty. The detailed posting of the position can be found at https://jobs.ncat.edu/postings/8967. Applications will be reviewed beginning February 15, 2016, and the review will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants must submit the following items via the job posting at https://jobs.ncat.edu/postings/8967: 1) letter of interest (cover letter); 2) current curriculum vitae; 3) legible copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts (upload a copy of each transcript under the degree name; original transcripts will be required if hired); 4) statement of teaching philosophy; and 5) statement of research interests and accomplishments.

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Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience - Jan 2016 articles
by Stephen Coombes Jan. 6, 2016

Jan. 6, 2016

Dear all, A Happy New Year from the Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience! To kick of 2016 we have one review article on Oscillator Networks and another research article on the Wilson–Cowan equations: Mathematical Frameworks for Oscillatory Network Dynamics in Neuroscience Ashwin P, Coombes S and Nicks R http://www.mathematical-neuroscience.com/content/6/1/2 Wilson–Cowan Equations for Neocortical Dynamics Cowan JD, Neuman J and van Drongelen W http://www.mathematical-neuroscience.com/content/6/1/1 All articles are Open Access. The current list of journal articles is available at http://www.mathematical-neuroscience.com/ 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 send it back to me, and immediately delete it. Please do not use, copy or disclose the information contained in this message or in any attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. This message has been checked for viruses but the contents of an attachment may still contain software viruses which could damage your computer system, you are advised to perform your own checks. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored as permitted by UK legislation.

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[publication and call for dialog] IEEE CIS Newsletter on Autonomous Mental Development, Fall 2015
by Pierre-Yves Oudeyer Jan. 5, 2016

Jan. 5, 2016

Dear colleagues, I am happy to announce the release of the latest issue of the IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems (open access, previously names newsletter on Autonomous Mental Development). This is a biannual newsletter addressing computational modeling of developmental and cognitive processes in natural and artificial organisms, from humans to robots, at the crossroads of cognitive science, developmental psychology, machine intelligence and neuroscience. It is available at: https://goo.gl/HQAMsd Featuring dialog: === "Representational redescription: the next challenge?" == Dialog Initiated by Stéphane Doncieux, with responses from Jessica Kosie and Dare Baldwin, Georges Konidaris, Freek Stulp and Timothy Hospedales, Paul Verschure and Giovanni Pezzulo, Frank Guerin, Paul Abelha and Bipin Indurkhya. == This issue’s dialog explores various challenges of how and why capabilities to change representations could be happening in robots. In particular, contributors discuss how new representations can be formed out of the dynamic interaction between learning algorithms, cognitive architecture and their physical and social embodiment. Call for new dialog: === "Moving Beyond Nature-Nurture: a Problem of Science or Communication? » == Dialog initiated by John Spencer, Mark Blumberg and David Shenk == John Spencer, Mark Blumberg and David Shenk observe that in spite of numerous scientific discoveries supporting the view of development as a complex multi-factored process, the discussions of development in several scientific fields and in the general public are still strongly organized around the nature/nurture distinction. Thus, they ask a crucial question: is this because there is not yet sufficient scientific evidence, or is this because the simplicity of the nature/nurture framework is much easier to communicate (or just better communicated by its supporters)? Those of you interested in reacting to this dialog initiation are welcome to submit a response by April 15th, 2015. The length of each response must be between 600 and 800 words including references (contact pierre-yves.oudeyer(a)inria.fr) You will also find news about the IEEE CIS CDS Technical Committee and the ICDL-Epirob 2016 conference. Let me remind you that previous issues of the newsletter are all open-access and available at: http://icdl-epirob.org/cdsnl I wish you a stimulating reading! Best regards, Pierre-Yves Oudeyer, Editor of the IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems Chair of the IEEE CIS AMD Technical Committee on Cognitive and Developmental Systems Research director, Inria Head of Flower project-team Inria and Ensta ParisTech, France http://www.pyoudeyer.com https://flowers.inria.fr http://www.poppy-project.org

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NEST 2.10 supports gap junctions and structural plasticity
by Hans Ekkehard Plesser Jan. 5, 2016

Jan. 5, 2016

Dear Colleagues! The NEST Initiative is pleased to announce the release of NEST version 2.10.0. The most notable changes over v2.8.0 are: * Support for simulations of gap junctions (see Jan Hahne et al., 2015) * Framework for structural plasticity (see Markus Butz et al., 2013 and Markus Butz et al., 2014) * Full support for the K computer (just in case you found one under your Christmas tree ;-)) All users are encouraged to upgrade and adapt their simulation scripts to the changes in the user interface at this point in time to benefit from the improvements in the new version. For a full list of changes and download links, see https://github.com/nest/nest-simulator/releases/tag/v2.10.0 Best regards, Hans Ekkehard Plesser President, The NEST Initiative -- Dr. Hans Ekkehard Plesser, Associate Professor Section Head Dept. of Mathematical Sciences and Technology Norwegian University of Life Sciences PO Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway Phone +47 6723 1560 Email hans.ekkehard.plesser(a)nmbu.no Home http://arken.umb.no/~plesser

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Carnegie Mellon - University of Pittsburgh Joint Summer Undergraduate Program in Computational Neuroscience
by Tai Sing Lee Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

Carnegie Mellon - University of Pittsburgh Joint Summer Undergraduate Program in Computational Neuroscience Undergraduates interested in receiving research training in computational neuroscience are encouraged to apply to an NIH-sponsored summer program at the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition in Pittsburgh. The Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition is a joint interdisciplinary program of Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. Starting in May of 2016, a select group of talented undergraduates will embark on a 10-week residential program that provides intensive, mentored research experiences in computational and theoretical neuroscience. This program is intended for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation. Any undergraduate may apply, but we are especially interested in attracting students with strong quantitative backgrounds especially juniors and seniors from colleges and universities that do not have extensive research programs, and students from groups underrepresented in the sciences. Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Selected students will receive a stipend and university dormitory housing. The core of the program is the opportunity to carry out an individual mentored research project working closely with a faculty mentor. Other aspects of the scientific program include: faculty research talks, student presentations and discussion of articles from the scientific literature, presentations on career options and scientific ethics, and a concluding symposium in which students present their research. The 2016 program will run from late May through early August, 2016 (precise dates will be announced in March). The final deadline for application is February 16. All participants must be United States citizens or permanent residents, must be enrolled at a 4-year accredited institution, and must be in their sophomore or junior year at the time of application. Students from groups underrepresented in the sciences are encouraged to apply. 2016 uPNC Summer Fellowship Application available here: http://www.cnbc.cmu.edu/images/CNBC_general/upncsummerapplication2016.doc Application can be returned via email or regular mail (see addresses below). In addition to the application, the following items are required for evaluation: A brief (one page) essay about your interest and experience in neural computation. Official transcript from the institution you are attending Two letters from professional references. You should contact your recommenders and ask them to mail or email a letter directly to us. SAT/ACT scores (do NOT have to be official; photocopies are acceptable) Documents should be mailed to: Computational Neuroscience Summer Program Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition Carnegie Mellon University 4400 Fifth Avenue Suite 115 Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2617 CNBC-summer-UG(a)andrew.cmu.edu For more information go to this sites: http://www.cnbc.cmu.edu/summercompneuro

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Request for Information on Neurally-Inspired Computing Principles
by R. Jacob Vogelstein Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

Hi all, IARPA has just released a new Request for Information (RFI) on "neurally-inspired computing principles," and I'm hopeful that members of this community will submit some interesting whitepapers in response. Note that the RFI is issued solely for information gathering purposes, and does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals. IARPA anticipates that responses to this RFI will be used to help organize a workshop on this topic at the 2016 Neuro Inspired Computational Elements conference ( http://niceworkshop.org/) and to inform future programs in this technical area. The full text of the announcement is published at https://www.fbo.gov/notices/7ea2ad0e075b31c05a011f2d835392a9; a brief synopsis is presented below. -------- Seventy years ago, John von Neumann found inspiration for the design of the EDVAC in what was then known about the design of the brain. However, despite the early influence of neuroscience on what has become known as the von Neumann architecture, the principles of computing underlying today’s state of the art digital systems deviate substantially from the principles that govern computing in the brain. In particular, whereas mainstream computers rely on synchronous operations, high precision, and clear physical and conceptual separations between storage, data, and logic; the brain relies on asynchronous messaging, low precision storage that is co-localized with processing, and dynamic memory structures that change on both short and long time scales. To understand the potential opportunities and challenges in developing next-generation computers that exploit these and other principles of neural computing, IARPA is seeking information from two groups of experts: (1) computer scientists with experience in designing or building computing systems that rely on the same or similar principles as those employed by the brain; and (2) neuroscientists who have credible ideas for how neural computing principles can offer practical benefits for next-generation computers. Responses to this RFI should clearly and concisely answer the questions posed below (to neuroscientists, computer scientists, or both) in one or more of the four topics described in detail in the full text of this announcement (https://www.fbo.gov/notices/7ea2ad0e075b31c05a011f2d835392a9) Topic 1: Spike-based representations Topic 2: Asynchronous computation Topic 3: Learning Topic 4: Co-local memory storage and computation Responses to this RFI are due no later than 5:00pm Eastern Time on January 29, 2016. IARPA appreciates responses from all capable and qualified sources from within and outside of the US. Inquiries to this RFI must be submitted to dni-iarpa-rfi-16-02(a)iarpa.gov. -- R. Jacob Vogelstein, Ph.D. Program Manager ODNI/IARPA 301-851-7497 (office) http://go.usa.gov/FPPJ

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Postdoc position open in Rutishauser Lab (human single-neurons)
by Ueli Rutishauser Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

*Postdoctoral fellowship in human intracranial electrophysiology: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and California Institute of Technology (Los Angeles)* Applications are invited to join a McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience and NSF funded research program investigating the neural mechanisms of learning and memory in humans. The applicant will work on intracranial single-unit recordings from human subjects, investigating questions related to the encoding and retrieval of memory. This will include experimental work with patients (electrophysiology and behavior), data analysis and processing, spike-train analysis, and experimental design. The focus of this position will be on single-neuron recordings from the medial temporal lobe in epilepsy patients to investigate the role of theta-oscillations in coordinating activity and how such coordination relates to memory. The applicant will have access to state-of-the art equipment, facilities and analytical methods and will be part of an established team of investigators at both Cedars-Sinai and the California Institute of Technology (Ueli Rutishauser, Ralph Adolphs, Adam Mamelak), with ample opportunity to learn new techniques and methods. This position is based on the Cedars-Sinai campus. Candidates should have a recent PhD in systems, cognitive, or computational neuroscience with a track-record of first-author publications. Strong programming (Matlab or similar), data analysis, statistics and electrophysiology skills are essential. Excellent written and oral English communication skills are required, including the ability to communicate with patients and their families. Individuals with previous human intracranial EEG experience and/or macaque single neuron recordings that wish to expand into human single-unit recordings are encouraged to apply. The position is available as early as March 1st 2016, with a competitive salary commensurate with prior experience (NIH scale). The position is available with an initial appointment for one year and renewal based upon satisfactory performance. Applicants must pass background screening and health checks to be able to work with patients. Caltech and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are equal opportunity employers and women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should send a CV, statement of research accomplishments and interests, copies of 2-3 representative publications and contact information for 2-3 reference letters to Ueli Rutishauser at rutishauseru(a)csmc.edu. Informal inquiries are welcome. All information should be sent in pdf format. Further information about the lab can be found at www.rutishauserlab.org .

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Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course 2016: applications open
by Erik De Schutter Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

OKINAWA/OIST COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2016 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 13 - June 30, 2016 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 13th through June 30th, 2016 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 4 - February 5, 2016. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance in March. Like in preceding years, OCNC will be a comprehensive three-week course covering single neurons, networks, and behaviors with ample time for student projects. The first week will focus exclusively on methods with hands-on tutorials during the afternoons, while the second and third weeks will have lectures by international experts. The course has a strong hands-on component based on student proposed modeling or data analysis projects, which are further refined with the help of a dedicated tutor. Applicants are required to propose their project at the time of application. There is no tuition fee. The sponsor will provide lodging and meals during the course and may support travel for those without funding. We hope that this course will be a good opportunity for theoretical and experimental neuroscientists to meet each other and to explore the attractive nature and culture of Okinawa, the southernmost island prefecture of Japan. Invited faculty: • Erik De Schutter (OIST) • Sophie Deneve (École Normale Supérieure, France) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Chris Eliasmith (University of Waterloo, Canada) • Tomoki Fukai (RIKEN BSI, Japan) • Michael Häusser (University College London, UK) • Yukiyasu Kamitani (ATR & Kyoto University, Japan) • Etienne Koechlin (École Normale Supérieure, France) • Bernd Kuhn (OIST) • Stefan Mihalas (Allen Institute for Brain Science, USA) • Partha Mitra (Cold Spring Harbor, USA) • Astrid Prinz (Emory University, USA) • John Rinzel (New York University, USA) • Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama (OIST)

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Fully funded PhD position at the University of Ghent, Belgium
by Daniele Marinazzo Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

The lab of Daniele Marinazzo (www.ugent.be/~dmarinaz) at the department of Data Analysis, Faculty of Psychology and Pedagogical Sciences of the University of Ghent, Belgium, is looking for a PhD student. The position is fully funded for 4 years by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). The research subject involves advanced statistical data analysis of fMRI data. The student will be part of a research group focusing on the development and validation of new methods for the analysis of neuroimaging data, in the framework of a multidisciplinary collaboration with psychologists and clinicians. Both candidates with a technical degree and candidates with a psychology degree but an interest in programming and quantitative analyses are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of at least one programming language (python, matlab, R …) and an interest for multidisciplinary research are required. The University of Gent (www.ugent.be) hosts a vibrant research community and offers excellent facilities to students and employees. The most likely starting date is October 2016 but earlier appointments can be considered. Candidates are invited to send a motivation letter and the names of two referees to Daniele Marinazzo (daniele.marinazzo(a)ugent.be) Informal inquiries and requests for further information are most welcome. -- Daniele Marinazzo -- Department of Data Analysis Faculty of Psychology and Pedagogical Sciences, Ghent University Henri Dunantlaan 1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium +32 (0) 9 264 6375 <http://www.da.ugent.be/>http://users.ugent.be/~dmarinaz/ http://helpdesk.ugent.be/e-maildisclaimer.php -- Daniele Marinazzo -- Department of Data Analysis Faculty of Psychology and Pedagogical Sciences, Ghent University Henri Dunantlaan 1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium +32 (0) 9 264 6375 <http://www.da.ugent.be/>http://users.ugent.be/~dmarinaz/ http://helpdesk.ugent.be/e-maildisclaimer.php

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XPPAUT 8.0
by Ermentrout, G Bard Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

I am happy to announce that the new version of XPPAUT is now available for download at: http://www.math.pitt.edu/~bard/xpp/xpp.html The new version uses the most recent version of AUTO and allows for much better two-parameter continuation of periodic and homoclinic orbits. In addition there are dozens of new command line options and support for CUDA code. -Bard Ermentrout

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Brain, Minds and Machines Summer Course 2016
by Kreiman, Gabriel Jan. 4, 2016

Jan. 4, 2016

What: Brains, Minds and Machines Summer Course When: 08/15/2016 through 09/05/2016 Application Deadline: March 14, 2016 Link to application forms: https://ws2.mbl.edu/studentapp/studentapp.asp?courseid=BMM Link to course: http://cbmm.mit.edu/summer-school/2016 The Brains, Minds and Machines Summer Course will be held at MBL, Woods Hole, MA, from August 15, 2016 through September 5, 2016. This course is organized by the MIT-Harvard Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines (CBMM). The goal of this course is to introduce students with a broad range of backgrounds to cross-disciplinary research in Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, and Computer Science. The first half of the course will focus on the intersection between biological and computational aspects of learning and vision. The second half will focus on high-level social cognition and artificial intelligence, as well as audition, speech, and language processing. Lectures will be complemented by student research projects completed under the supervision of CBMM postdocs and faculty. We will also be hosting an Evening Lecture Series, including speakers from both industry and academia, in the fields of neuroscience, computer science, and cognitive science. Past speakers include: Larry Abbott, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Dorin Comaniciu, Siemens Corporate Technology Amnon Shashua, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mobileye, OrCam Eero Simoncelli, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University 2015 Invited Course Faculty: DiCarlo, Jim, MIT Freiwald, Winrich, Rockefeller University Kanwisher, Nancy, MIT Katz, Boris, MIT Koch, Christof, Allen Institute for Brain Research Kreiman, Gabriel, Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School Poggio, Tomaso, MIT Rosasco, Lorenzo, Italian Institute of Technology Saxe, Rebecca, MIT Schulz, Laura, MIT Spelke, Liz, Harvard University Tenenbaum, Joshua, MIT Wilson, Matthew, MIT Winston, Patrick, MIT Please visit our website for more details: http://cbmm.mit.edu/summer-school/2016 This course is recommended for PhD students and Postdocs. The application deadline is March 14, 2016. The online application form can be found at: https://ws2.mbl.edu/studentapp/studentapp.asp?courseid=BMM Tuition, MBL room & board are provided by an NSF Science and Technology Center award to the Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines, Grant No. CCF-1231216. Gabriel Kreiman klab.tch.harvard.edu Use "9265358979" anywhere in the message body to ensure that your message navigates through anti spam filters

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Two funded PhD and one postdoc position in theoretical neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research
by Gjorgjieva, Julijana Jan. 3, 2016

Jan. 3, 2016

We invite applications for two funded PhD and one postdoctoral research position in our group “Computation in Neural Circuits” at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt, Germany. We use mathematical and computational approaches to study how neurons and the connections between them tune their properties during brain development to ensure appropriate network dynamics, and how adult function and behavior emerge from a diversity of mechanisms. We collaborate with experimental research groups internationally, including the US, UK and the Netherlands, and we will benefit from interactions with the strong neuroscience community in Frankfurt. Successful applicants can work on a range of projects including data analysis, theoretical model development and analytical calculations, numerical simulations, and applications to novel datasets from collaborating labs. Applicants should have a strong quantitative background (in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, quantitative biology or related fields) and interest in interdisciplinary research. Background in neuroscience and good programming skills are desirable, but not essential. Postdoc candidates must have (or will soon be awarded) a PhD in the relevant quantitative disciplines. The positions can start as early as June 1, 2016. For more information or an informal discussion, contact Dr Julijana Gjorgjieva at gjorgjieva(a)brandeis.edu To apply for these positions, please submit the following to gjorgjieva(a)brandeis.edu: 1. A curriculum vitae 2. PhD candidates: a short motivation letter Postdoc candidates: a description of research interests 3. Contact details for 2-3 referees 4. If available, a written sample of scientific research, e.g. a manuscript, thesis, or other work product Our institute also hosts the IMPRS graduate school in “Neural Circuits” which currently has an open call for PhD applicants: http://brain.mpg.de/graduate-studies/call.html Julijana Gjorgjieva Max Planck Institute for Brain Research Max-von-Laue-Str 4 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany http://www.people.fas.harvard.edu/~gjorgjieva/

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Deadline Approaching: Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop 2016 Call for Topics
by Ralph Etienne-Cummings Jan. 2, 2016

Jan. 2, 2016

Call for Topic Area Proposals2016 Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop *Telluride, Colorado, June 26 –July 16, 2016* *DEADLINE: January 8th, 2016* We are now accepting proposals for Topic Areas in the 2016 Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop. We support topics and projects in neuromorphic cognition, particularly those that involve solving challenging ‘everyday’ tasks that incorporate domain-specific knowledge, exploration, prediction, and problem solving. In particular, we are interested in projects that hold promise for addressing Grand Challenge types of problems that do not have strong solutions of any form, neuromorphic or not. These Challenge problems should feature long-duration sensorimotor problems that involve autonomous cognitive decision making. Examples might include tasks such as learning a new language, navigating through an unknown environment to locate an object or reach a desired location, visual and auditory understanding of human actions, adaptively manipulating unknown or complex objects in the service of a task, playing a game requiring inference of hidden information or long-term planning and learning, etc. Proposals related to hardware technologies that aim to bring these capabilities to reality are also encouraged. Topic proposals that aim to solve a particular problem using the multidisciplinary experience of participants will be favored over topics that simply gather a large number of people working within a discipline, or using a single technology, or approach. Topic areas for this summer's Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop <http://ine-web.org/> will be chosen from proposals submitted to the organizers. *Topic areas can span a large field; we are looking for leadership in planning activities and inviting good people in a field.* Although past topic areas have tended to be very broad and discipline-oriented (e.g., cognition, audition, vision, robotics, neural interfacing, neuromorphic VLSI, etc.), application-oriented topic areas (e.g., sensor fusion, game-playing robot, object recognition, sound localization, human robot interaction, etc.) are especially desirable. *Topic area leaders will receive housing for themselves and their invitees, and limited travel funds.* Topic area leaders will help to define the field of neuromorphic cognition engineering through the projects they pursue and the people they invite. They shape their topic by inviting speakers and project leaders (the *invitees*) and by initiating topic area project discussions prior to the workshop. Teams of two organizers are required. One of the organizers should be an attendee of a previous Telluride Workshop (in any capacity) and has stayed at the Workshop for at least one week. *Pre-workshop topic area choices and study assignments.* Before the workshop begins, each topic area will be required to prepare and distribute study materials that constitute: 1) an introductory presentation (e.g., pptx, video, review paper) of the fundamental knowledge associated with the topic area that *everyone at the workshop* should be exposed to, and 2) a few critical papers that the participants in the topic area should read before the workshop. The topic area should 3) begin a serious group discussion of the projects (e.g., via Facebook, Skype, email, etc). *The maximum 2-page proposals should include:* 1. Title of topic area. 2. Names of the two topic leaders, their affiliations, and contact information (email addresses). 3. A paragraph explaining the focus and goals of the topic area. 4. A list of possible specific topic area projects. 5. A list of example invitees (up to six names and institutions). No commitments necessary. 6. Any other material that fits within the two-page limit that will help us make a smart choice. *Send your topic area proposal* in pdf or text format to organizers13(a)neuromorphs.net <organizers12(a)neuromorphs.net> with subject line containing "topic area proposal". *Proposals must be received by January 8, 2016*; proposals received after the deadline may still be considered if space is available. *We expect to accept 4-5 topic areas*, each with 5 invitees*.* If your proposal for the topic area is not accepted, we will work with you to see if there is a natural way to include your ideas (and you) into the accepted topic areas. We hope to have significant turn-over each year in the topic areas and leaders to ensure fresh new ideas and participants. See the Institute of Neuromorphic Engineering (www.ine-web.org) for background information on the workshop and neuromorphs.net <https://neuromorphs.net/ws2009/wiki/PastWorkshops> for past workshop wikis. We look forward to your topic proposals! *Deadline: January 8, 2016* *The Workshop Directors:* Cornelia Fermüller <http://www.cfar.umd.edu/~fer/> (University of Maryland), Ralph Etienne-Cummings <http://etienne.ece.jhu.edu/people/ralph/index.html> (Johns Hopkins Univ.) Shih-Chii Liu <https://www.ini.uzh.ch/~shih/> (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich), Timmer Horiuchi <https://www.isr.umd.edu/faculty/horiuchi> (University of Maryland), Katalin Gotthard <http://physiological-sciences.arizona.edu/katalin-gothard> (University of Arizona), Michael Pfeiffer <https://www.ini.uzh.ch/~pfeiffer/index.html> (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich), Francisco Barranco <fbarranco(a)ugr.es> (University of Granada) *Former 2007-2013 Workshop Director:* Tobi Delbruck <https://www.ini.uzh.ch/~tobi/> (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Etienne-Cummings, PhD, FIEEE Professor and Chairman Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Computational Sensor Motor Systems Lab Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics The Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD [image: cid:image001.png@01CFC064.B58B46A0]

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International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS) 2016
by Zachary Kilpatrick Jan. 1, 2016

Jan. 1, 2016

*Abstracts are due by January 7, 2016* https://icmns2016.inria.fr/call-for-contributions/ <https://icmns2016.inria.fr/call-for-contributions/> International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS 2016) at the Congress Center in Juan-les-Pins on the French Riviera May 29 to June 1, 2016 Tutorials: May 29 Main Conference: May 30 - June 1 https://icmns2016.inria.fr/ <https://icmns2016.inria.fr/> CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Wulfram Gerstner (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) John Rinzel (New York University) Antoine Triller (École Normale Supérieure de Paris) Rachel Kuske (U British Columbia) Jonathan Rubin (U Pittsburgh) Hinke Osinga (U Aukland) Carina Curto (Penn State University) Ruben Moreno-Bote (Foundation Sant Joan de Deu) Hiroya Nakao (Tokyo Institute of Technology) Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Si Wu (Beijing Normal University) Alex Roxin (Centre de Recerca Matematica) PROGRAM COMMITTEE Toni Guillamon (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) Roland Potthast (U Reading) Gregory Faye (Université Paul Sabatier ) Wilhelm Stannat (TU Berlin) Jonathan Touboul (College de France) Gilles Wainrib (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Suzanne Ditlevsen (University of Copenhagen) Boris Gutkin (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Martin Wechselberger (U Sydney) Jonathan Rubin (U Pittsburgh) Martin Krupa (INRIA Sophia Antipoilis) Carlo Laing (Massey University) Andre Longtin (U Ottawa) Daniele Avitabile (U Nottingham) Jose Carrillo (Imperial College) Pascal Chossat (Université Nice Sophia Antipolis) Carson Chow (National Institutes of Health) Steve Zucker (Yale University) Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Rachel Kuske (U British Columbia) Laura Sacerdote (Universita di Torino) Reinhard Hopfner (Johannes-Gutenberg Universitat) Olivier Faugeras (INRIA - Sophia Antipolis) Paul Bressloff (U Utah) Steve Coombes (U Nottingham) CONFERENCE CHAIRS Romain Veltz (INRIA - Sophia Anitpolis) Zachary Kilpatrick (U Houston) Evelyn Buckwar (Johannes Kepler Universitat Linz)

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[COSYNE2016] Travel grants, registration, and hotels
by Tomas Hromadka Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2015

==================================================== Computational and Systems Neuroscience 2016 (Cosyne) MAIN MEETING Feb 25 - Feb 28, 2016 Salt Lake City, Utah WORKSHOPS Feb 29 - Mar 01, 2016 Snowbird Ski Resort, Utah www.cosyne.org ==================================================== REGISTRATION AND HOTELS: Travel grants submission is currently open. Online registration is currently open. Hotel booking is currently open. Travel grant application deadlines Dec 31, 2015, 11.59PM PST (Undergraduate Travel Grant) Jan 14, 2016, 11.59PM PST (Other travel grants) Early registration deadline Jan 31, 2016, 11.45PM EST Hotel booking deadlines Jan 19, 2016, Last day for reduced hotel rates at workshops Feb 03, 2016, Last day for reduced hotel rates at main meeting For more detailed information on Cosyne, please visit www.cosyne.org. TRAVEL GRANTS Applications are now open for travel grants to attend the conference. Each awardee will receive at least $500 to help offset the costs of travel, registration, and accommodations. Larger grants may be available to those traveling from outside North America. Special consideration is given to scientists who have not previously attended the meeting, under-represented minorities, students who are attending the meeting together with a mentor, undergraduate students, and authors of submitted Cosyne abstracts. We currently offer four travel grant programs for New Attendees, Presenters, Mentors, and Undergraduates. For details on applying, see cosyne.org, section Travel grants. THE MEETING The annual Cosyne meeting provides an inclusive forum for the exchange of empirical and theoretical approaches to problems in systems neuroscience, in order to understand how neural systems function. The MAIN MEETING is single-track. A set of invited talks are selected by the Executive Committee, and additional talks and posters are selected by the Program Committee, based on submitted abstracts. The WORKSHOPS feature in-depth discussion of current topics of interest, in a small group setting. Cosyne topics include but are not limited to: neural coding, natural scene statistics, dendritic computation, neural basis of persistent activity, nonlinear receptive field mapping, representations of time and sequence, reward systems, decision-making, synaptic plasticity, map formation and plasticity, population coding, attention, and computation with spiking networks. We would like to foster increased participation from experimental groups as well as computational ones. Please circulate widely and encourage your students and postdocs to apply. CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Blaise Aguera y Arcas (Google) Marisa Carrasco (NYU) Edward Chang (UCSF) Greg DeAngelis (Rochester) Mark Goldman (UC Davis) Sonja Hofer (Basel) Richard Mooney (Duke) Mala Murthy (Princeton) Peggy Series (Edinburgh) Reza Shadmehr (Johns Hopkins) Paul Smolensky (Johns Hopkins) Leslie Vosshall (Rockefeller) Xiao-Jing Wang (NYU) ORGANIZING COMMITTEE General Chairs: Maria Geffen (U Penn) and Konrad Körding (Northwestern) Program Chairs: Megan Carey (Champalimaud) and Emilio Salinas (Wake Forest) Workshop Chairs: Claudia Clopath (Imperial College) and Alfonso Renart (Champalimaud) Publicity Chair: Xaq Pitkow (Rice) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Anne Churchland (CSHL) Zachary Mainen (Champalimaud) Alexandre Pouget (U Geneva) Anthony Zador (CSHL) CONTACT cosyne.meeting [at] gmail.com

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Release of NEST 2.10.0
by Jochen Martin Eppler Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2015

Dear NEST users, we're happy to bring you NEST 2.10.0, which contains 303 repository commits by 25 developers since v2.8.0. The most notable changes over v2.8.0 are: * Support for simulations of gap junctions (see Jan Hahne et al., 2015) * Framework for structural plasticity (see Markus Butz et al., 2013 and Markus Butz et al., 2014) * Full support for the K computer (just in case you found one under your Christmas tree ;-)) All users are encouraged to upgrade and adapt their simulation scripts to the changes in the user interface at this point in time to benefit from the improvements in the new version. For a full list of changes and download links, see https://github.com/nest/nest-simulator/releases/tag/v2.10.0 Best regards and a happy new year, Jochen! -- Dr. Jochen Martin Eppler Phone: +49 2461 61-9471 ---------------------------------- Simulation Laboratory Neuroscience Jülich Supercomputing Centre Institute for Advanced Simulation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Call for Papers: Extracellular Potentials and Electric Field Interactions
by Reinoud Maex Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2015

JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE NEUROSCIENCE http://www.worldscinet.com/jin Call for Papers! Special Issue on Extracellular Potentials and Electric Field Interactions In experimental neuroscience, most electric signals are picked up from the electrolytic (or colloidal) solution that constitutes extracellular (interneuronal) space, yet the origin of these potentials is incompletely understood. Even more, theoreticians have recently argued about the physical principles underlying these phenomena. The present special issue invites experimental and theoretical work that can shed light on electric phenomena in extracellular space, with an emphasis on extracellular potentials and endogenous electric field interactions. The contributions solicited are original research papers and comprehensive reviews on methodological aspects. Submission deadline: 30 September 2016 Contact: Dr. Reinoud Maex reinoud.maex(a)ens.fr Questions that may be addressed are (but are not limited to): 1. The nature of extracellular potentials - What is nature of the electric currents, and what is the velocity (distribution) of the ions involved? Since membrane currents underlie the extracellular currents, what are the relative contributions of synaptic versus voltage-gated channels, excitatory versus inhibitory synapses, capacitive currents? How important are Lorenz forces between currents (due to the generated magnetic fields) and is there a contribution of polarization currents? - Is extracellular space purely resistive, or is a capacitive component involved, and what factors (such as ionic concentration, Debye shielding, etc.) contribute to its resistivity? 2. Modeling of extracellular potentials and electric field interactions - What level of detail is needed to model extracellular electrical phenomena, and which formalism can be employed? How valid is the cable equation, or need slow concentration changes of the major ionic components involved be modeled explicitly? How can LFP calculations be incorporated in simulation software? - Can volume transmission be simulated adequately as volume conductors? Are ephaptic coupling effects adequately simulated in one dimension? 3. Neuronal inference from measured extracellular potentials - What is the importance of the electrode characteristics for the proper interpretation of the measured signals? - What are the underlying assumptions, and limitations, of current-source-density analysis? How valid is the dipole approximation? Why are recent experiments being interpreted in terms of monopoles, and can single-compartmental model neurons generate local field potentials at all? - What can be learned from the power density distribution of signal frequencies? 4. Neurostimulation - What is the effect on neurons of an externally applied current or potential, and what mechanism (or rationale) underlies deep brain stimulation? 5. Physiological roles of extracellular potentials and endogenous electrical fields - Do extracellular potentials contribute to neuron-neuron and neuron-glia communication? Can there be a role for extracellular potentials in the homeostasis, clearance, and volume regulation of extracellular space, and in the control of blood flow and of the blood-brain-barrier. - What is the integrative role of endogenous electrical fields in brain function?

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Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon
by Yiyin Zhou Dec. 29, 2015

Dec. 29, 2015

Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon 2016 FFBH 2016 <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/hackathons/ffbh/2016>March 17, 2016Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 The goal of the hackathon is to bring together researchers interested in developing executable models of the fruit fly brain. Towards that end we will engage systems and computational neuroscientists in modeling, design, implementation and biological validation of an open-source emulation platform of the whole fruit fly brain. All hackathon participants will be provided with an Amazon Machine Image of the recently developed open-source Neurokernel <http://neurokernel.github.io/> platform for executable fruit fly brain circuits. The hackathon is aimed at three main groups of participants: biologists, modelers and software engineers. For biologists, the hackathon focuses on the intuitive modeling and representation of biological data, such as anatomical and recordings data of the fruit fly brain, in the NeuroArch <http://neurokernel.github.io/docs.html> database. For modelers, the hackathon aims at creating/modifying models of neuropils that are compliant with the Neurokernel API <http://neurokernel.github.io/docs.html>. For software engineers, the hackathon focuses on improving the Neurokernel <http://neurokernel.github.io/> platform and its API, and developing new, proof-of-concept features that are needed by biologists and modelers alike. All hackathon participants will be strongly encouraged to collaborate towards the realization of executable fruit fly brain models. The Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon is organized in conjunction with the Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuit, Memory and Computation <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/workshops/bcmc/2016> on March 18-19, 2016. Participants of the hackathon are welcome to attend the workshop. Registration is free but all participants have to register <https://fruit-fly-brain-hackathon16.eventbrite.com/> ( https://fruit-fly-brain-hackathon16.eventbrite.com/) Organizers: Paul Richmond, Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield Adam Tomkins, Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield Nikul Ukani, Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University Yiyin Zhou, Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University More information can be found on the hackathon website: http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/hackathons/ffbh/2016 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Best Regards, Yiyin Zhou, on behalf of the organizers

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ICANN 2016 Barcelona - Second Call
by antonio Dec. 29, 2015

Dec. 29, 2015

2nd Call for Papers 2nd Call for special sessions, workshops, demonstrations ============================================================ *www.icann2016.org* *ICANN 2016 * 25th Annual Conference on Artificial Neural Networks BarcelonaTech (UPC), Barcelona, Spain 6 - 9 September 2016* Special event*: ENNS 25th Anniversary ============================================================ /The International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks (ICANN) is the annual flagship conference of the European Neural Network Society (ENNS). In 2016 the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (BarcelonaTech) will organize the 25th ICANN Conference from //the //6th to //the //9th //of //September 2016 in Barcelona, Spain, in collaboration with the Universit//at//Pompeu Fabra (UPF)./ *INVITED KEYNOTE SPEAKERS* 1. *Wlodek Duch *(Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland) 2. *Erkki Oja *(Aalto University, Helsinki, Finland) 3. *Joaquin Fuster *(University of California at Los Angeles, USA) 4. *Murray Shanahan* (Imperial College London, UK) 5. *Günther Palm*(University of Ulm, Germany) 6. *Stephen Coombes *(University of Nottingham, UK) 7. *Etienne Koechlin*( Pierre and Marie Curie University, France) *IMPORTANT DATES* /Special session / workshop proposals: /15 January 2016 /Proposals for competitions and tutorials:/31 January 2016 /Submission of abstracts and papers: /1 March 2016 /Submission of //d//emonstration proposals: /1 March 2016 /Notification of acceptance:/8 May 2016 /Camera-ready paper and registration: /15 May 2016 /Conference dates:/6-9 September 2016 *CONFERENCE TOPICS* ICANN 2016 will feature the main tracks /Brain Inspired computing/ and /Machine Learning research/, with strong cross-disciplinary interactions and applications. All research fields dealing with Neural Networks will be present at the conference. A non-exhaustive list of topics includes: * Brain Inspired Computing: Cognitive models, Computational Neuroscience, Self-organization, Reinforcement Learning, Neural Control and Planning, Hybrid Neural-Symbolic Architectures, Neural Dynamics, Recurrent Networks, Deep Learning. * Machine Learning: Neural Network Theory, Neural Network Models, Graphical Models, Bayesian Networks, Kernel Methods, Generative Models, Information Theoretic Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Relational Learning, Dynamical Models. * Neural Applications for: Intelligent Robotics, Neurorobotics, Language Processing, Image Processing, Sensor Fusion, Pattern Recognition, Data Mining, Neural Agents, Brain-Computer Interaction, Neural Hardware, Evolutionary Neural Networks. *CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES* Early registration fees have been kept particularly low for this kind of event because ENNS and ICANN aim at full implementation of the academic not-for-profit policy. Undergraduate students (Bachelor and Master level): 90 EUR PhD Students: 200 EUR Regular delegates: 250 EUR *ENNS members have a reduction of 40 EUR* Students can apply for ENNS funded travel grants to attend (see the conference website). *CALL FOR CONTRIBUTED SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS* All scientific communications presented at ICANN 2016 will be reviewed and scientifically evaluated by a panel of experts. The conference will feature three categories of communications: - oral communications (15'+5') - poster communications (on permanent display and 2 hours presentation) - demonstrations Authors willing to present original contributions for any category must submit a manuscript of maximum 8 pages length that will be refereed to international standards by at least three referees. Accepted papers of contributing authors will be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series. Selected papers will be invited after the conference for a full journal paper submission. Authors willing to present a contribution for oral communications and posters without submitting an full manuscript must submit a 1-page abstract that will also be refereed by at least three referees. The abstracts will be published all together in a proceedings section without an author index. In case of program constraints the priority will be given to original contributions accompanied by a full paper submission. Submission of communications will be online. More details are available on the conference website. *WORKSHOPS, SPECIAL SESSIONS, DEMONSTRATIONS,* *COMPETITION PROPOSALS and TUTORIALS* ICANN 2016 invites proposals for workshops, special sessions, demonstrations, competitions and tutorials to be held during the conference. For more information, please refer to the website. *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 two in the Machine Learning research track. All awardees will be presented during the final ceremony. *ORGANISATION** General Chair:*/ Antonio J. Pons Rivero/(UPC Barcelona, Spain)* Local**co-Chairs:* /Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo/(UPF Barcelona, Spain), /Paul Verschure/(UPF Barcelona, Spain) *Organising Committee Chairs:*/ Daniel Malagarriga/(UPC Barcelona, Spain), /Lara Escuain/(UPC Barcelona, Spain), /Caroline Kleinheny/(ENNS Lausanne, Switzerland) *Honorary Chair: *Alessandro E. P. Villa * Communication* *Chair:*/ Paolo Masulli/(ENNS Lausanne, Switzerland) *********************************************** Antonio J. Pons Rivero General Chair of ICANN 2016 Terrassa School of Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering (ETSEIAT) Nonlinear dynamics, nonlinear optics and lasers Group BarcelonaTech (UPC) Edifici GAIA Rbla. Sant Nebridi, 22 08222 Terrassa, Spain Caroline Kleinheny Secretary of the European Neural Network Society University of Lausanne Internef 137k, Quartier UNIL Dorigny 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland ***********************************************

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Postdoc position
by Dawn Taylor Dec. 28, 2015

Dec. 28, 2015

We currently have openings for postdocs and/or engineers for our NIH-funded study in Parkinson's disease and Deep Brain Stimulation (PIs Dr. Dawn Taylor & Dr. Cameron McIntyre). The goal of this project is to understand how Parkinson's disease alters cortical network processing and how Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) helps to re-normalize motor function. The project involves chronically recording cortical network activity with high-density electrode arrays in our macaque animal models. Extensive neuromotor data will be collected in the normal and Parkinsonian state as well as on and off different types of DBS. This experimental data will be complimented with computational modeling to try to understand the underlying mechanisms as well as identify ways to improve DBS. We are looking for multiple post docs/engineers that can focus on either the animal work, the computational modeling, or both depending on their skills and interests. If interested, please send a CV to Dr. Dawn Taylor at dxt42(a)case.edu. -- Dawn M. Taylor, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Neuroscience, Cleveland Clinic Researcher Scientist, Cleveland VA Medical Center, Functional Electrical Stimulation Center Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering & of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University The Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute 9500 Euclid Ave. / NC30 Cleveland, OH 44195 email: dxt42(a)case.edu or taylord8(a)ccf.org Phone: (216) 636-0140 Fax: (216) 778-4259

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call for illusion submissions: the 12th Best Illusion of the Year Contest
by Susana Martinez-Conde Dec. 24, 2015

Dec. 24, 2015

****CALL FOR ILLUSION SUBMISSIONS: THE WORLD'S 12TH ANNUAL BEST ILLUSION OF THE YEARSM CONTEST**** <http://illusionoftheyear.com> http://illusionoftheyear.com We are happy to announce the 12th edition of world's Best Illusion of the YearSM Contest!! Submissions are now welcome! In 2015, the Best Illusion of the YearSM Contest became an annual online event, with the goal of bringing the creativity of the illusion creator community all around the world. Anybody with an internet connection can now participate! No matter where you live, you can be a contestant, and/or vote for the Top 3 winners! Contestants are invited to submit 1-minute YouTube videos featuring novel illusions (unpublished, or published no earlier than 2015) of all sensory modalities (visual, auditory, etc.) and/or cognitive nature. The content of the 1-minute video presenting your illusion is solely up to you, and the only requirement is that it wows all viewers! Some examples include, but are not limited to: * -A slide presentation, or succession of images, with a voice over (and/or written text, if you prefer) * -A video of yourself describing your illusion * -A video animation/enactment of your illusion An international panel of impartial judges will rate all the videos and narrow them down to the Top 10. Then, online voters around the world will choose their favorite illusions from the Top 10 finalists. All Top 10 finalists will receive a commemorative plaque. In addition, the Top 3 winners will receive cash prizes: $3,000 USD for first place; $2,000 USD for second place, and $1,000 USD for third place. The Judge Panel will rate illusions according to: * -Significance to our understanding of the human mind and brain * -Simplicity of the description * -Sheer beauty * -Counterintuitive quality * -Spectacularity Submissions will be held in strict confidence by the Judge Panel. Only the Top 10 illusions will be posted online, to allow worldwide voting. Participation in the Best Illusion of the YearSM Contest does not preclude you from also submitting your work for publication elsewhere. By participating in the Best Illusion of the YearSM Contest you agree to have your illusion posted on the Contest website, if selected among the Top 10, and included in press releases and other promotional materials/fundraising initiatives for the Contest. You (and your co-authors, if appropriate) will retain the full copyright of your illusion, and receive full credit as illusion creator(s). Illusions submitted to previous editions of the contest can be re-submitted to the 2016 Contest, as long as they meet the above requirements and were not among the Top 3 winners in previous years. You can send your 1-minute video to Susana Martinez-Conde via email ( <mailto:smart@neuralcorrelate.com> smart(a)neuralcorrelate.com) until April 15, 2016. On behalf of the Executive Board of the Neural Correlate Society: Jose-Manuel Alonso, Stephen Macknik, Susana Martinez-Conde, Luis Martinez, Xoana Troncoso, Peter Tse ----------------------------------- Susana Martinez-Conde, PhD Professor of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Physiology & Pharmacology Empire Innovator Scholar Director, Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn NY 11203, USA Email: smart(a)neuralcorrelate.com <mailto:smart@neuralcorrelate.com> Phone: +1 718-270-4520 http://smc.neuralcorrelate.com <http://smc.neuralcorrelate.com/>

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PhD position in Neurotechnology @ Imperial College
by Chadderton, Paul T Dec. 23, 2015

Dec. 23, 2015

Open PhD position in Neurotechnology at Imperial College London in the Chadderton and Clopath labs. The candidate will be doing in vivo electrophysiology in mouse cerebellum and computational modelling of learning-related changes in this circuit. Candidate must be EU national. Project: Biologically inspired computation for real-time motor control Supervisors: Paul Chadderton (http://neuralcircuitsinbehaviour.squarespace.com/) Claudia Clopath (http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/c.clopath/) An important area of robotics research is focused on developing machines that can learn and adapt to changing environments as efficiently as animals. Biological principles underlying the acquisition of motor skills are likely to inspire these new technologies. The aim of our project is to characterise computational principles of motor learning in real time using novel neurophysiological data from a uniquely tractable and well-controlled system, the whisker circuitry of the cerebellar cortex. Neural recordings will reveal how the brain adapts during learning, and will then be used to develop and apply a biologically constrained computational model in an actively sensing robot. For full application instructions, see: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology/cdt/projects/computation_for_moto…

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AREADNE 2016 Call for Abstracts
by John Pezaris Dec. 22, 2015

Dec. 22, 2015

****** CALL FOR ABSTRACTS ****** AREADNE 2016 Research in Encoding and Decoding of Neural Ensembles 22-26 June 2016 Nomikos Conference Centre Santorini, Greece Celebrating 10 Years of AREADNE Conferences http://www.areadne.org info(a)areadne.org INTRODUCTION A fundamental problem in neuroscience is to understand how the activation of neuronal populations gives rise to higher order functions including learning, memory, cognition, perception, action and ultimately conscious awareness. Electrophysiological recordings have revealed considerable information about the firing patterns of single neurons, but it remains largely a mystery how collections of individual neurons interact to perform these functions. Understanding ensemble activity is critical to understanding the brain. CONFERENCE MISSION The AREADNE Conferences have been created to gather global scientific leaders who work on neural ensembles and establish a touch-point for the widely disparate and hybrid field. With a spectacular setting on Santorini, the conferences have been carefully planned to foster discussion and interaction between attendees to encourage the establishment of lasting professional relationships. The meetings continue our efforts to promote systems neuroscience in Greece through creating a world-class forum for cutting-edge research. For 2016, we will be Celebrating Ten Years of AREADNE Conferences! FORMAT AND SPEAKERS The conference will span four days, in morning and early evening sessions. Confirmed speakers include experts in the field of multi-neuron experiment, theory, and analysis (in alphabetic order): Michele Basso Matthias Bethge Rick Born Rosa Cossart James DiCarlo Alexander Ecker Lisa Giocomo Konrad Kording Matthew Larkum Albert Lee John Maunsell May-Britt Moser Stephanie Palmer Xaq Pitkow Michael Roukes Irini Skaliora Stelios Smirnakis Nelson Spruston Gina Turrigiano CALL FOR ABSTRACTS We are currently soliciting abstracts for poster presentation. Submissions will be accepted electronically, and must be received by 12 Feb 2016. Automated email acknowledgment of submission will be provided, and manual verification will be made a few days after submission. Notification of acceptance will be provided by 15 March 2016. Please see our Call for Abstracts page for additional details and submission templates: http://areadne.org/call-for-abstracts ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Dora Angelaki Nicholas Hatsopoulos, co-chair John Pezaris, co-chair Panayiota Poirazi Thanos Siapas Andreas Tolias FURTHER INFORMATION AND SPECIAL NOTE For further information on AREADNE 2016 please see the conference web site http://www.areadne.org or send email to info(a)areadne.org. Please note that the timing of the DENDRITES 2016 meeting (http://dendrites2016.gr) in Crete dovetails quite nicely with the AREADNE 2016 meeting in Santorini. -- Dr. J. S. Pezaris AREADNE 2016 Co-Chair Massachusetts General Hospital 55 Fruit Street Boston, MA 02114, USA john(a)areadne.org

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Announcing Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course 2016
by Erik De Schutter Dec. 22, 2015

Dec. 22, 2015

OKINAWA/OIST COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2016 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 13 - June 30, 2016 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 13th through June 30th, 2015 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 4 - February 5, 2016. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance in March. Like in preceding years, OCNC will be a comprehensive three-week course covering single neurons, networks, and behaviors with ample time for student projects. The first week will focus exclusively on methods with hands-on tutorials during the afternoons, while the second and third weeks will have lectures by international experts. The course has a strong hands-on component based on student proposed modeling or data analysis projects, which are further refined with the help of a dedicated tutor. Applicants are required to propose their project at the time of application. There is no tuition fee. The sponsor will provide lodging and meals during the course and may support travel for those without funding. We hope that this course will be a good opportunity for theoretical and experimental neuroscientists to meet each other and to explore the attractive nature and culture of Okinawa, the southernmost island prefecture of Japan. Invited faculty: • Erik De Schutter (OIST) • Sophie Deneve (École Normale Supérieure, France) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Chris Eliasmith (University of Waterloo, Canada) • Tomoki Fukai (RIKEN BSI, Japan) • Michael Häusser (University College London, UK) • Yukiyasu Kamitani (ATR & Kyoto University, Japan) • Etienne Koechlin (École Normale Supérieure, France) • Bernd Kuhn (OIST) • Partha Mitra (Cold Spring Harbor, USA) • Astrid Prinz (Emory University, USA) • John Rinzel (New York University, USA) • Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama (OIST) • more tba

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Fully funded postdoctoral position in Machine Learning and Computational Biology at Royal Holloway University of London
by Alberto Paccanaro Dec. 22, 2015

Dec. 22, 2015

[Apologies for cross-posting] Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at the Department of Computer Science of Royal Holloway, University of London. The successful candidates will work with Prof Alberto Paccanaro on different projects in the area of Systems Biology and Network Medicine -- please see http://www.paccanarolab.org/ for a description of the research carried out in the lab. Candidates should have a PhD degree in a relevant quantitative field (e.g. Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering), a strong background in machine learning and a keen interest in computational biology. Previous experience in the area of graphical models would be an asset for this position. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary Centre for Systems and Synthetic Biology (Computer Science and Biological Sciences) at Royal Holloway and collaborators at Imperial College, University of Tennessee and Yale University. The post is therefore ideal for someone with a computer science or maths background who is looking to move into computational biology. The Department of Computer Science is located on Royal Holloway's pleasant campus (see http://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/) in Egham, just outside London. The position is for 30 months, full-time, beginning in the Spring 2016. The starting salary will be up to 37,743 GBP p.a. (about 57,000 USD), with annual increments. The position is funded by a joint BBSRC/NSF grant. Applicants should send a CV including a list of publications, a statement of research interests, and contact information of 3 referees electronically to alberto(a)cs.rhul.ac.uk If you wish to discuss details of the position, please contact Alberto Paccanaro at the same address. Alberto -- ===================================== Prof Alberto Paccanaro Department of Computer Science Royal Holloway, University of London Homepage: www.cs.rhul.ac.uk/~alberto Labpage: www.paccanarolab.org

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Re: [Comp-neuro] Postdoc position in Large-scale Neuronal Ensemble Recordings in Sensori-motor Cortices in Behaving Marmosets
by Nicho Dec. 21, 2015

Dec. 21, 2015

A postdoctoral position is available starting as soon as possible to characterize the spatio-temporal organization of sensori-motor cortical activity at multiple spatial scales associated with upper limb movements of behaving marmosets.This project involves high density multi-electrode array recordings as well as calcium fluorescence imaging from motor and somatosensory cortical sites in marmosets performing natural arm and hand movements.Facilities include a fully equipped electrophysiological laboratory with three 128-channel acquisition systems for multi-electrode recording and stimulation, calcium fluorescence imaging microscopes, and camera-based and a 3D videofluoroscopy-based motion capture systems.Expertise in multi-site, behavioral electrophysiology and/or calcium imaging is preferred.A strong mathematical, computational, or engineering background is also desirable.Applicants should send a CV and names and addresses of two or three references to Dr. Nicholas Hatsopoulos, Department of Organismal Biology, University of Chicago, 1027 East 57^th Street, Chicago, IL 60637 or by e-mail to nicho(a)uchicago.edu <mailto:nicho@uchicago.edu>.

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PhD Position: Modelling Gait in People with Parkinson's Disease.
by Tsaneva-Atanasova, Krasimira Dec. 21, 2015

Dec. 21, 2015

PhD in Modelling Gait in People with Parkinsons Disease. Primary supervisor: Prof Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova<http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298> Secondary supervisors: Dr Mark Wilson (University of Exeter), Dr Victoria Goodwin (University of Exeter) Based within the EPSRC Centre for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare, a £2M initiative bringing together mathematicians, statisticians and clinicians, you will work on a project aiming to develop a data-driven mathematical modeling framework in order to study gait impairments in patients with Parkinson’s. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition that mainly affects people of 50 and over. One person in every 500 has Parkinson's, which equates to about 127,000 people in the UK. There's currently no cure, and the range of symptoms and how quickly they progress are different for everyone. The main symptoms of Parkinson's are tremor, rigidity and slowness of movement. Despite optimal medication therapy, many people with Parkinson’s still experience gait impairments. Gait impairments (e.g., freezing of gait) are associated with falls and fear of falling, and reduced quality of life. This studentship aims to further our understanding of the degenerative nature of the disease by taking a dynamical systems approach to modelling the coordination of locomotion (gait) from an individual perspective. While many studies have examined discrete gait measures (e.g. step length) it is likely that several gait malfunctions will interact and incur a simultaneous deterioration of stepping. A dynamical systems approach is particularly useful in predicting when and if this deterioration may cross a critical threshold; for example, triggering a freeze or a stumble. The first stage of this project will be to develop a model based on gait data we have already collected from 18 people with Parkinson’s. The second stage would be to collect additional data to test model’s predictions and refine and improve the model. This project is one of a number which are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Partnership to commence in September 2016. The studentships will provide funding for a stipend (currently £14,057 per annum for 2015/16), research costs of £3,000 and UK/EU tuition fees at Research Council rates for 3.5 years. Application Criteria Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in Maths, Physics, Medicine, Natural Sciences or other numerate discipline. The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 4 January 2016. Interview will be held at the University of Exeter is mid-late January 2016. For further information, or informal discussion about the position, please contact Prof Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova, e-mail: K.Tsaneva-Atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:K.Tsaneva-Atanasova@exeter.ac.uk>. Summary Application deadline: 4th January 2016 Value: £14,057 per annum plus UK/EU fees for eligible students (2015-16 rates) Duration of award: per year Contact: Postgraduate Research Office emps-pgr-ad(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:emps-pgr-ad@exeter.ac.uk> How to apply Please visit www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/money/studentships/application/<http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/money/studentships/application/> and complete the online web form. You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload a full CV, covering letter and details of two academic referees. Your covering letter should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project. Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences University of Exeter Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QF, UK tel: +44 (0) 1392 723615 email: k.tsaneva-atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk> web: http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298 ALTEREGO - Enhancing Social Interaction with an AlterEgo artificial agent http://www.euromov.eu/alterego/homepage

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Postdoctoral position
by Eran Mukamel Dec. 21, 2015

Dec. 21, 2015

I would like to advertise the following opportunity in our group. Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuro-Epigenomics The UCSD Computational Neural Data and Dynamics Lab <http://brainome.ucsd.edu/> is seeking applications for a funded postdoctoral research position as part of our group’s studies of epigenomic regulation in brain cells. Our lab in the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Cognitive Science department uses tools from bioinformatics and machine learning to analyze a variety of neural epigenetic processes. We have helped to identify unique forms of DNA methylation in neurons and glial cells, and we are working to understand the distribution, development and potential function of these epigenomic marks. Our theoretical and computational research group has close ties with experimental neurobiology and genomics labs in San Diego. More information about the lab is at http://brainome.ucsd.edu <http://brainome.ucsd.edu/>. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. (or expect to receive one shortly) and have a strong background in computational biology (e.g. computational neuroscience, bioinformatics), or physical science or engineering (e.g. math, physics, computer science, bioengineering) as well as a strong interest in fundamental genomic processes underlying neural development and cognition. Previous experience with genomic or epigenomic data analysis is helpful, but not necessary. To apply, please send the following to emukamel(a)ucsd.edu <mailto:emukamel@ucsd.edu>: - A cover letter describing your background, research interests and how they fit with our lab - Curriculum vitae - Contact information for 2-3 references - If available, a sample of scientific research, e.g. a manuscript, thesis, or other work product Salary will be commensurate with NIH rates. For inquiries or more information, please contact Eran Mukamel at the address above. Eran A. Mukamel Assistant Professor of Cognitive Science University of California, San Diego emukamel(a)ucsd.edu <mailto:emukamel@ucsd.edu> http://brainome.ucsd.edu <http://brainome.ucsd.edu/>

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Opportunities for Ph.D. Studentships
by Wong-Lin, Kongfatt Dec. 21, 2015

Dec. 21, 2015

The Intelligent Systems Research Centre (ISRC) at Ulster University, UK, invites applications for 3-year Ph.D. studentships. A list of studentships offered for the year 2016 and the projects' details can be found at: http://www.compeng.ulster.ac.uk/rgs/showPhDProposals.php?ri=3. The computational neuroscience and neural systems research community at the ISRC focuses on both fundamental brain and behavioural sciences, and their applications, including clinical neuroscience and neural engineering. In particular, I have the available computational neuroscience projects available for 2016: 1. Dynamics of decision making in heterogeneous systems. http://www.compeng.ulster.ac.uk/rgs/displayPhDProposal.php?id=894&ri=3 2. Big data analytics and computational modelling in mental health. http://www.compeng.ulster.ac.uk/rgs/displayPhDProposal.php?id=893&ri=3 3. Computational neuromodulation. http://www.compeng.ulster.ac.uk/rgs/displayPhDProposal.php?id=892&ri=3 The application process for the Ph.D. studentship is opened with a closing date for applications on the 26th February 2016. All studentships, which are highly competitive, are expected to start in September 2016, and include tuition fees and an annual maintenance allowance for EU and non-EU students. All applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject, such as computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics or neuroscience. Applicants must be highly motivated and willing to pursue research and develop skills across disciplines. If you wish to apply for a studentship, please follow the instructions at: http://www.compeng.ulster.ac.uk/rgs/guideForApplicants.php. Unless indicated, successful students will be based primarily at the ISRC with opportunities to interact with other related ISRC research teams, including from the Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Centre for Stratified Medicine, and external collaborators. The ISRC has recently established state-of-the-art functional brain mapping facility, and high performance computing facility for big data analytics. The ISRC is situated in the city of Derry~Londonderry, which received the City of Culture 2013 award. Please note that some studentship (DEL Awards) have restrictions on residence eligibility - see guidance notes for details. For further information, please contact me (k.wong-lin(a)ulster.ac.uk) ------------------- Dr. KongFatt Wong-Lin Intelligent Systems Research Centre School of Computing and Intelligent Systems Faculty of Computing and Engineering Ulster University http://isrc.ulster.ac.uk/kwonglin/contact.html ________________________________ This email and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee and may contain information which is covered by legal, professional or other privilege. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager at postmaster(a)ulster.ac.uk and delete this email immediately. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ulster University. The University's computer systems may be monitored and communications carried out on them may be recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes. Ulster University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of a separate attachment, the text of email is not intended to form a binding contract. Correspondence to and from the University may be subject to requests for disclosure by 3rd parties under relevant legislation. The University of Ulster was founded by Royal Charter in 1984 and is registered with company number RC000726 and VAT registered number GB672390524.The primary contact address for Ulster University in Northern Ireland is Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT52 1SA

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Open Position: Coordinator of the Smart Start Training Program
by Kerstin Schwarzwaelder Dec. 21, 2015

Dec. 21, 2015

Dear colleagues, The Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH <http://www.fz-juelich.de/portal/EN/Home/home_node.html> and theCoordination Site of the Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience <http://www.nncn.de/en/the-network/Network-Partners/BCOS> are looking for a Coordinator of the Smart Start Training Program <http://www.nncn.de/en/study-training-options/smart-start>. Please find the announcement and online application system here <http://www.fz-juelich.de/SharedDocs/Stellenangebote/_common/dna/2015-291-EN…>. Application deadline: January 14, 2016 For inquiries regarding the position please contact Andrea Huber Broesamle (e-mail: andrea.huber(a)bcos.uni-freiburg.de) or Kristin Urbach (phone: +49 2461 61-9700) Best regards, Kerstin Schwarzwälder

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Job Vacancies in Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE)
by Tasos_UPatras Dec. 21, 2015

Dec. 21, 2015

Job Vacancies in Neuroinformatics The Cognitive Engineering Lab of Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE) (http://www.sinapseinstitute.org/ <http://www.sinapseinstitute.org/>) is seeking to appoint one Research Fellow (RF) and one Research Assistant (RA) for a period of 1 year; (positions to be filled as soon as possible). Remuneration and benefits will be based in NUS standards and candidates’ qualifications and years in service. Research Topic · Our group is leading a project aiming to develop virtual reality (VR)-based brain augmentation systems including realistic VR based simulations and real-time brain states analysis. The simulation applications will be developed (in Unity3D Game Engineer) for virtual reality system to provide various stimuli. A remote EEG system will be used to monitor the brain activity in real time. · The aims of the study is to identify reliable and robust individual biomarkers of cognitive states for VR-based training scenarios and compare the training effects with traditional 2-Dimensional computer based simulations to understand if VR-based trainings lead to better user-experience and performance Scientific profile for the Research Fellow Position · Recent Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction or Cognitive Science · Publications in Computational Intelligence and Machine Learning Methods and/or Brain Computer Interaction with applications · Bachelor or Master Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering · Knowledge of experimental design in cognitive-related experiments Scientific profile for the Research Assistant Position · Bachelor or Master Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering · Experience of game research or game development (experience of VR preferred, both Oculus Rift and room-size VR) · Experience of Unity3D game engineer, proficiency in C++ or Javascript (experience with middleVR preferred) Personal profile · Good communication and English writing skills is essential · Interdisciplinary communication and team competence · Creative and highly self-motivated. Contact · Applications should include CV, statement of experience and motivation, and names of referees (for the RF position). Informal inquiries prior to application are welcome. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. · Applications should be sent, preferably as single pdf file by email, to prof Tassos Bezerianos (lsiba(a)nus.edu.sg <mailto:lsiba@nus.edu.sg>). Best Regards Tassos Anastasios(Tassos) Bezerianos, BS,MS,PhD prof. Electrical and Computer Engineering, NUS Head of Cognitive Engineering Lab SINAPSE , 28 Medical drive #05-COR , Singapore 117456 office:+65 66013054, cell:+65 97738374

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Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation
by Aurel A. Lazar Dec. 20, 2015

Dec. 20, 2015

Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation BCMC 2016 <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/workshops/bcmc/2016> Friday and Saturday, March 18-19, 2016 Center for Neural Engineering and Computation <http://www.cnec.columbia.edu/> Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 Overview The goal of the workshop is to bring together researchers interested in developing executable models of neural computation/processing of the brain of model organisms. Of interest are models of computation that consist of elementary units of processing using brain circuits and memory elements. Elementary units of computation/processing include population encoding/decoding circuits with biophysically-grounded neuron models, non-linear dendritic processors for motion detection/direction selectivity, spike processing and pattern recognition neural circuits, movement control and decision-making circuits, etc. Memory units include models of spatio-temporal memory circuits, circuit models for memory access and storage, etc. A major aim of the workshop is to explore the integration of various sensory and control circuits in higher brain centers. A Fruit Fly Brain Hackathon <http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu/hackathons/ffbh/2016> is being conducted in conjunction with the workshop. Confirmed Invited Speakers J. Douglas Armstrong <http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/jda/index.html>, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh. Alexander Borst <http://www.neuro.mpg.de/borst>, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried. Thomas R. Clandinin <http://flyvisionlab.weebly.com/>, Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University. Michael Hawrylycz <https://alleninstitute.org/our-science/brain-science/about/team/staff-profi…>, Allen Institute of Brain Science Stanley Heinze <http://www.biology.lu.se/stanley-heinze>, Department of Biology, Lund University. Chung-Chuan Lo <http://life.nthu.edu.tw/~lablcc/>, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan. Matthieu Louis <http://www.crg.eu/en/matthieu_louis>, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona. Gaby Maimon <http://www.rockefeller.edu/research/faculty/labheads/GabyMaimon/>, Rockefeller University. Mala Murthy <http://www.molbio1.princeton.edu/labs/murthy/lab/Home.html>, Princeton University. Michael B. Reiser <https://www.janelia.org/lab/reiser-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Vanessa Ruta <http://www.rockefeller.edu/research/faculty/labheads/VanessaRuta/>, Rockefeller University. Glenn C. Turner <https://www.janelia.org/people/glenn-turner>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Marta Zlatic <https://www.janelia.org/lab/zlatic-lab>, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA. Aurel http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu

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[Deadline Extended] 2016 IEEE EAIS - Natal, Brazil, 23-25 May 2016
by Teng Teck Hou Dec. 20, 2015

Dec. 20, 2015

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Paper submission until 15 January 2016 (We apologize for multiple copies) - Please distribute this CFP among your colleagues and students 2016 IEEE International Conference on Evolving and Adaptive Intelligent Systems - 2016 IEEE EAIS Natal, Brazil, May 23-25, 2016 Website: http://eventos.ifrn.edu.br/eais2016 * IMPORTANT DATES * -------------------------------------------------------------- Special Session Proposals Deadline: 13 November 2015 Paper Submission Deadline: 15 January 2016 (Deadline extended!) Decision Notification: 19 February 2016 Final Paper Submission Deadline: 18 March 2016 Authors Registration Deadline: 18 March 2016 All accepted papers will be published in the conference Proceedings and IEEEXplore. Authors of selected papers will be invited to submit extended versions for possible inclusion in a special issue of the Journal Evolving Systems (Springer). Submission page: http://eventos.ifrn.edu.br/eais2016/instructions.html * CONTEXT * -------------------------------------------------------------- The 2016 IEEE Conference on Evolving and Adaptive Intelligent Systems (2016 IEEE EAIS) will be held in Natal (Brazil), a beautiful city located at the Brazil's northeast coast. It is the Brazilian closest capital to/from Europe and Africa. Natal has several tourist attractions and is famous for its natural beauty, for its historical monuments and buildings and for its gorgeous beaches. The city also boasts the second largest urban park in Brazil and was one of the host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. 2016 IEEE EAIS will provide a friendly atmosphere and will be a leading international forum focusing on the discussion of recent advances, the exchange of recent innovations and the outline of open important future challenges in the area of Evolving and Adaptive Intelligent Systems. Over the past decade, this area has emerged to play an important role on a broad international level in today's real-world applications, especially those ones with high complexity and dynamics change. Its embedded modelling and learning methodologies are able to cope with real-time demands, changing operation conditions, varying environmental influences, human behaviors, knowledge expansion scenarios and drifts in online data streams. 2016 IEEE EAIS is organized by the IEEE Technical Committee on Evolving and Adaptive Intelligent Systems, SMC Society. 2016 IEEE EAIS will be held for the first time in Latin America, however, the conference series has a history starting in 2006 in Lake District (England). It was held after that in Witten-Bommerholz (Germany), Nashville (USA), Leicester (England), Paris (France), Madrid (Spain), Singapore, Linz (Austria) and Douai (France). Authors of selected papers will be invited to submit extended versions for possible inclusion in a special issue of the Journal Evolving Systems (Springer). * CALL FOR SPECIAL SESSIONS * -------------------------------------------------------------- Distinguished researchers working in theory, analysis and applications of evolving adaptive and intelligent systems and related areas are encouraged to submit proposals within the technical scope of 2016 IEEE EAIS. Researchers interested in organizing special sessions are invited to submit a formal proposal at the website: http://eventos.ifrn.edu.br/eais2016/special.html * AREAS OF INTEREST * -------------------------------------------------------------- Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: Basic Methologies - Evolving Soft Computing Techniques - Evolving Fuzzy Systems - Evolving Rule-Based Classifiers - Evolving Neuro-Fuzzy Systems - Adaptive Evolving Neural Networks - Online Genetic and Evolutionary Algorithms - Data Stream Mining - Incremental and Evolving Clustering Approaches - Adaptive Pattern Recognition - Incremental and Evolving ML Classifiers - Adaptive Statistical Techniques - Evolving Decision Systems - Big Data - Advanced Concepts Drifts and Shifts in Data Streams - Stability, Robustness, Convergence in Evolving Systems - Online Feature Selection and Dimension Reduction - Online Active and Semi-supervised Learning - Online Complexity Reduction - Computational Aspects - Interpretability Issues - Incremental Adaptive Ensemble Methods - Online Bagging and Boosting - Self-monitoring Evolving Systems - Human-Machine Interaction Issues - Hybrid Modeling - Transfer Learning - Reservoir Computing - Real-world Applications EIS for On-Line Modeling and System Identification - EIS for Time Series Prediction - EIS for Data Stream Mining and Adaptive Knowledge Discovery - EIS in Robotics, Intelligent Transport and Advanced Manufacturing - EIS in Advanced Communications and Multi-Media Applications - EIS in Bioinformatics and Medicine - EIS in Online Quality Control and Fault Diagnosis - EIS in Condition Monitoring Systems - EIS in Adaptive Evolving Controller Design - EIS in User Activities Recognition - EIS in Huge Database and Web Mining - EIS in Visual Inspection and Image Classification - EIS in Image Processing - EIS in Cloud Computing - EIS in Multiple Sensor Networks - EIS in Query Systems and Social Networks - EIS in Alternative Statistical and Machine Learning Approaches * SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS * -------------------------------------------------------------- Full papers - max. 8 pages IEEE style (double-column). * INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE * ------------------------------------------------------------------ Plamen Angelov, Lancaster University, UK Dimitar Filev, Ford Motor Co., USA Nikola Kasabov, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand * ORGANIZING COMMITTEE * ------------------------------------------------------------ Chair: Bruno Sielly Jales Costa, Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), Natal, Brazil Co-chair: Luiz Affonso Guedes, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil Publication Chairs: Igor Škrjanc, Slovenia Edwin Lughofer, Austria Local Arrangement Chairs: Arthur S. Medeiros, Brazil Marcus Fernandes, Brazil Clauber G. Bezerra, Brazil Allan M. Martins, Brazil Marcelo Damasceno, Brazil Web & Publicity Chair: José A. Iglesias, Spain Teng Teck Hou, Singapore Special Session Chair: Radu-Emil Precup, Romania Program Committee Chair: Bruno Sielly Jales Costa, Brazil Best regards, ------- Prof. Dr. Bruno Sielly Jales Costa IFRN - Campus Natal/Zona Norte IEEE Computational Intelligence Society IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society

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[UKCI 2016] Updated Call for Papers
by Teng Teck Hou Dec. 20, 2015

Dec. 20, 2015

[Apologies for cross-postings] ########################################################### CALL FOR PAPERS The 16th Annual UK Workshop on Computational Intelligence, UKCI-2016 September 7-9, 2016, Lancaster, United Kingdom http://wp.lancs.ac.uk/ukci2016/ ########################################################### The 16th Annual UK Workshop on Computational Intelligence, UKCI-2016 this year is being hosted by Lancaster University. UKCI is the premier UK event for presenting leading research on all aspects of Computational Intelligence. The aim of this Workshop is to provide a forum for the academic community and industry to share ideas about developing and using Computational Intelligence (CI) techniques, the new trends and to exchange views and ideas. CI is a rapidly expanding research field, attracting a large number of scientists, engineers and practitioners working in areas such as fuzzy systems, neural networks, evolutionary computation, evolving systems and machine learning. A growing number of companies are employing CI techniques to improve previous solutions and to deal with new problems. These include evolving systems that allow high performance in spite of changes which are either external or internal to the system, thereby increasing the re-usability of developed systems. This also include smart, intelligent and autonomous systems, self-learning, self-adapting, self-calibrating and self-tuning. UKCI-2016 will take place in Lancaster House Hotel, located conveniently within the campus of Lancaster University, few miles from the city centre including Lancaster Castle. The city offers excellent transport links, with easy access to the M6, railway station and ferry links. Beyond the array of activities within the city, Lancaster is close to the Britain’s premier touristic area – Lake District, home to theatres, museums, Ashton Memorial and Williamson park. #################### Important dates ##################### - Special Session proposals: January 4th, 2016 - Paper submission: April 1st, 2016 - Notification of paper acceptance: June 15th, 2016 - Camera-ready submission: July 15th, 2016 ########################################################## #################### Plenary speakers #################### - Jose Principe, Distinguished Professor, University Of Florida, USA - Trevor Martin, Bristol University and Senior Researcher, British Telecom ########################################################## #################### Organizing committees ############### * Honorary Chair - Prof. Janusz Kacprzyk, Fellow Polish Academy of Sciences * General Chair - Prof. Plamen Angelov, Lancaster University * Programme Chairs - Prof. Qiang Shen, Aberystwyth University - Prof. Chrisina Jane, Robert Gordon University * Publication Chair - Dr. Alexander Gegov, Portsmouth University * International Liaison - Ms Azliza Mohd Ali, Lancaster University * Finance Chair - Ms Carol Airey, Lancaster University * Local Organisation Chairs - Dr. John Mariani, Lancaster University - Mr Richard Gnosill, Lancaster University * Publicity Chair - Dr. Teng Teck Hou, Singapore Management University * Awards Chair - Prof. Araceli Sanchis de Miguel, Carlos III University, Spain * Special Session Chair - Dr. Xiao Jun Zeng, Manchester University ########################################################## ############# Paper Submission and Publication ########### * Papers for UKCI 2016 should be submitted electronically through the Conference website at http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/fas/scc/sites/ukci2016/, and will be refereed by experts in the fields and ranked based on the criteria of originality, significance, quality and clarity. * Selected papers will be considered for publication, following substantial extension, in a Special Issue of the Soft Computing Journal (Springer). ########################################################## #################### Awards ############################## * A best regular paper and a best student paper will be selected for this award * This best paper award consists of a plaque and a €200 honorarium * The best paper awards are sponsored by Springer ########################################################## ###### Topics and Areas include, but not limited to ###### Topics of interest include (but are not limited to) * Computational intelligence methodology * Computational intelligence for big data * Making Sense from Data (streams) * Knowledge representation * Fuzzy logic, fuzzy systems, approximate reasoning; * New Machine Learning Methodologies * Artificial Neural Networks * Evolutionary computation, swarm intelligence, artificial immune systems, memetic computing, Nature-inspired computing * New and emerging computational intelligence approaches from hybrid learning and systems, molecular and quantum computing * Software agents and multi-agent systems, intelligent control * Intelligent Video Analytics * Applications of computational intelligence techniques in engineering, healthcare, finances, (cyber)security, signal, image and video processing ########################################################## #################### Call for Special Session Proposals ######################### * UKCI-2016 will retain its traditional format of a single track with special sessions on selected “hot” topics. * Please email proposals for special sessions to ukci2016(a)lancaster.ac.uk by 4th January 2016 ########################################################## #################### Co-Sponsors ######################### * Springer * Department of Engineering and the School of Computing and Communications, Lancaster University ##########################################################

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Postdoctoral fellowship in statistical neuroscience at Boston University
by Mark Kramer Dec. 20, 2015

Dec. 20, 2015

Postdoctoral fellowship in statistical neuroscience at Boston University A postdoctoral position is available for working in an NIH-funded BRAIN initiative project focused on understanding the computational principles and neural circuit mechanisms that underlie complex interactions across distributed circuits during brain function. The candidate will be responsible for developing data analysis and statistical modeling methods to characterize simultaneous LFP and spike train recordings from multiple brain regions during decision-making tasks. The successful candidate will have a strong background in statistics and computer programming; experience in interdisciplinary neuroscience research is preferred, although not essential. The position is based at Boston University in the labs of Uri Eden and Mark Kramer. The project is highly interdisciplinary and will involve frequent and extensive interactions with experimentalists at UCSF (Loren Frank) and Cold Spring Harbor (Adam Kepecs). Please contact Uri Eden or Mark Kramer (see links below) for more information. Boston University offers a vibrant community of statistical, mathematical, and neuroscience faculty and students, and many opportunities for collaboration within and outside the University. http://math.bu.edu/people/tzvi/ http://math.bu.edu/people/mak/

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[INNS-BigData 2016] Updated Call for Papers
by Teng Teck Hou Dec. 20, 2015

Dec. 20, 2015

[Apologies for cross-postings] ########################################################### CALL FOR PAPERS The 2nd INNS Conference on Big Data 2016 October 23-25, 2016, Thessaloniki, Greece http://conferences.cwa.gr/inns-big-data2016/ ########################################################### Big data is not just about storage of and access to data. Analytics play a big role in making sense of that data and exploiting its value. But learning from big data has become a significant challenge and requires development of new types of algorithms. Most machine learning algorithms can't easily scale up to big data. Plus there are challenges of high-dimensionality, velocity and variety. The neural network field has historically focused on algorithms that learn in an online, incremental mode without requiring in-memory access to huge amounts of data. This type of learning is not only ideal for streaming data (as in the Industrial Internet or the Internet of Things), but could also be used on stored big data. Neural network technologies thus can become significant components of big data analytics platforms and this inaugural INNS Conference on Big Data will begin that collaborative adventure with big data and other learning technologies. Thus the aim of this conference is to promote new advances and research directions in efficient and innovative algorithmic approaches to analyzing big data (e.g. deep networks, nature-inspired and brain-inspired algorithms), implementations on different computing platforms (e.g. neuromorphic, GPUs, clouds, clusters) and applications of Big Data Analytics to solve real-world problems (e.g. weather prediction, transportation, energy management). #################### Important dates ##################### - Tutorial and workshops proposals: February 15th, 2016 - Notification of tutorial and workshops proposals: February 20th, 2016 - Paper submission: April 30th, 2016 - Notification of paper acceptance: May 30th, 2016 - Camera-ready submission (AISC): June 11th, 2016 - Early registration: June 20th, 2016 Registration deadline: papers without confirmed registration by June 24th 2016 risk their inclusion in the proceedings ########################################################## #################### Invited speakers #################### - Francesco Bonchi, ISI Foundation, Torino, Italy - Stephen Furber, University of Manchester, UK - Rudolf Kruse, OVG University of Magdeburg, Germany - Piotr Mirowski, Google Deep Mind, London, UK ########################################################## #################### Organizing committees ############### General Chairs - Plamen Angelov, Lancaster University, UK - Yannis Manolopoulos, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece Program Chairs - Lazaros Iliadis, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece - Asim Roy, Arizona State University, Tempe USA - Marley Vellasco, PUC-Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Advisory Board - Nikola Kasabov, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand - Ali Minai, University of Cincinnati, USA - Danil Prokhorov, Toyota Tech Center, Michigan, USA - Theodore Trafalis University of Oklahoma, USA - G. Kumar Venayagamoorthy, Clemson University, USA Tutorials/Workshop Chairs - Apostolos Papadopoulos, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece - Bernardete Ribeiro, Portugal Poster Session Chairs - Yi Lu Murphey, University of Michigan-Dearborn, USA Special Sessions Chairs - Irwin King, Chinese University of Hong Kong, China - Luca Oneto, University of Genoa, Italy Panel Chairs - Leonid Perlovsky, Harvard University, Boston, USA Awards Chair - Araceli Sanchis de Miguel, Carlos III University, Spain Competitions Chairs - Adel Alimi, University of Sfax, Tunisia Publication Chairs - Mariette Awad, American University of Beirut, Lebanon - Danilo Mandic, Imperial College, London, UK Publicity Chairs - Jose Antonio Iglesias Martinez, Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain - Simone Scardapane, The Sapienza University of Rome, Italy - Teck Hou Teng, Singapore Management University, Singapore International Liaison Chairs - Petia Georgieva, University of Aveiro, Portugal - De-Shuang Huang, Tongji University, Shanghai, China Local Organizing Committee: - Anastasios Gounaris, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece WebMaster - Yannis Karydis, Ionian University, Greece ########################################################## ############# Paper Submission and Publication ########### * Original works submitted as a regular paper limited to a maximum of 14 pages in Springer format will be published in the proceedings to be available electronically as a Springer book in ADVANCES IN INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS AND COMPUTING Series, to download for delegates. * It will be peer-reviewed by at least three PC members on the basis of technical quality, relevance, originality, significance and clarity. * At least one author of an accepted submission to the conference should register with a regular fee to present their work at the conference. ########################################################## #################### Awards ############################## * Best papers will be selected and awarded as follows: - Best regular paper - Best student paper * This will be based on a combination of reviewers' comments, presentations and importance and quality judged by a panel. * Best paper awards (500 Euros) are donated by the sponsor Springer Verlag, Germany and will be commemorated by a certificate. ########################################################## ###### Topics and Areas include, but not limited to ###### * Autonomous, online, incremental learning - theory, algorithms and applications in big data * High dimensional data, feature selection, feature transformation - theory, algorithms and applications for big data * Scalable algorithms for big data * Learning algorithms for high-velocity streaming data * Big data streams analytics * Deep neural network learning * Machine vision and big data * Brain-machine interfaces and big data * Cognitive modeling and big data * Embodied robotics and big data * Fuzzy systems and big data * Evolutionary systems and big data * Evolving systems for big data analytics * Neuromorphic hardware for scalable machine learning * Parallel and distributed computing for big data analytics (cloud, map-reduce, etc.) * Big data and collective intelligence/collaborative learning * Big data and hybrid systems * Big data and self-aware systems * Big Data and infrastructure * Big data analytics and healthcare/medical applications * Big data analytics and energy systems/smart grids * Big data analytics and transportation systems * Big data analytics in large sensor networks * Big data and machine learning in computational biology, bioinformatics * Recommendation systems/collaborative filtering for big data * Big data visualization * Online multimedia/ stream/ text analytics * Link and graph mining * Big data and cloud computing, large scale stream processing on the cloud ########################################################## #################### Co-Sponsors ######################### * International Neural Network Society (INNS) * Springer ##########################################################

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CFP: VECPAR 2016 - High Performance Computing for Computational Science
by Carlos Ferreira Dec. 18, 2015

Dec. 18, 2015

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CALL FOR PAPERS 12th International Meeting on High-Performance Computing for Computational Science (VECPAR 2016) University of Porto, Porto, Portugal June 27 - 30, 2016 http://vecpar.fe.up.pt/2016/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT DATES: Deadline for submission: January 15th, 2016 notification of acceptance: March 3rd, 2016 camera ready version: April 25th, 2016, on easychair.org. The International Meeting on High Performance Computing for Computational Science (VECPAR) is the premier venue for presenting and discussing the latest research and practice in high end computer modeling and complex systems. VECPAR encourages submission of research contributions from academia, research laboratories and industry to address pressing issues in computational science resulting from applications of interest to society and hardware innovations. VECPAR'16, the 12th edition of the VECPAR series of conferences is organized by the University of Porto, Portugal, and will be held at the Department of Computer Science, School of Sciences. An award is planned for best student papers. Contributions are solicited in all areas of computational science and engineering (CS&E), including (but not limited to) the following topics: * Large scale Simulations in CS&E * Parallel and Distributed Computing * Parallel Algorithms * Numerical Algorithms on Multicore, GPUs and Emerging Architectures * Symbolic algorithms on Multicore, GPUs and Emerging Architectures * Support Tools and Environments * Scheduling and Load Balancing * Performance Analysis, Evaluation and Tuning You should make your submissions through EasyChair at: https://www.easychair.org/conferences/?conf=vecpar2016 Submitted papers must be formatted according to the rules of the Springer Series Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS): http://www.springer.com/computer/lncs?SGWID=0-164-6-793341-0 Please note that papers (for conference presentation) must not exceed 8 pages in length, using the LNCS format. Accepted papers will be distributed in electronic format to participants of VECPAR'16. Printed versions of the invited talks and a set of selected papers will be published by Springer in the series entitled Lecture Notes in Computer Science. Selected papers will be limited to 14 pages and will be judged based on relevance, significance, originality, correctness and clarity. More information about this process will be sent to interested authors after the conference. Carlos Ferreira [http://www2.isep.ipp.pt/assinatura_email/EMAIL_ISEP.png] ISEP | Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431 4249-015 Porto - PORTUGAL tel. +351 228 340 500 | fax +351 228 321 159 mail(a)isep.ipp.pt | www.isep.ipp.pt<http://www.isep.ipp.pt>

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[Call for applications] *Graduate Programs in Computational Neuroscience* in Berlin; MSc and PhD; 6 PhD scholarships; deadline March 15, 2016
by Robert Martin Dec. 18, 2015

Dec. 18, 2015

[Apologies for cross-posting] *Doctoral* and *Master Program* "Computational Neuroscience" at the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin in Berlin, Germany Application deadline: *March 15, 2016* Begin of courses: October 2016 Internet: www.computational-neuroscience-berlin.de _Doctoral Program_ The Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin and the TU Berlin invite applications for *6 fellowships* of the Research Training Group "Sensory Computation in Neural Systems" (GRK 1589/2, https://www.eecs.tu-berlin.de/grk_15891/) The *scientific program* of the research training group combines techniques and concepts from machine learning, computational neuroscience, and systems neurobiology in order to specifically address sensory computation. Doctoral candidates will work on interdisciplinary projects investigating the mechanisms of neural computation, address the processes underlying perception on different scales and different levels of abstraction, and develop new theories of computation hand in hand with well-controlled experiments in order to put functional hypotheses to the test. The training group offers structured supervision complemented by a teaching and training program. Each student will be supervised by two investigators with complementary expertise and will be associated with the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin (https://www.bccn-berlin.de/) a leading research center dedicated to the theoretical study of neural processing. Candidates are expected to hold a Masters degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g., neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, physics, mathematics, etc.) and have the required advanced mathematical background. Candidates selected in the first application step will be invited for lab visits and an interview, expected to take place in June 2015. The *fellowships of 1468 €/month* - with additional children allowances if applicable---will be granted for up to three years. _Master's Program_ The tuition-free Master program in Computational Neuroscience offers *15 places* per year, has a duration of 2 years and is fully taught in English. The *curriculum* is subdivided into ten modules, whose content includes theoretical neuroscience, programming, machine learning, cognitive neuroscience, acquisition, modelling, and computational analysis of neural data, with a strong focus on a complementary theoretical and experimental training. Three lab rotations and a Master's thesis are accomplished in the second year. The aim of the program is to provide the students with an interdisciplinary education and an early contact to the neurocomputational research environment. *Requirements* BSc or equivalent degree in a relevant subject (typically in the natural sciences, in an engineering discipline, in cognitive science, or in mathematics), certificate of English proficiency, proof of sufficient mathematical knowledge (at least 24 ECTS credit points). ~~~ _For more information_ ... ... come and visit us on our *information day* on January 27, 2016, at 3 PM (sharp) at the BCCN Berlin: https://www.bccn-berlin.de/Calendar/Events/event/?contentId=3822 ... or browse: www.computational-neuroscience-berlin.de ... or e-mail: graduateprograms(a)bccn-berlin.de . Best regards, Robert Martin -- Robert Martin, PhD Teaching Coordinator Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin Philippstr. 13 House 6; 10115 Berlin; Germany Phone/Fax +49 (0)30 2093 6773/6771 http://www.computational-neuroscience-berlin.de GRK 1589/1, Sensory Computation in Neural Systems Technische Universitaet Berlin Sekretariat MAR 5-6; Marchstr. 23; 10587 Berlin Phone/Fax +49 (0)30 314 72006/73121 http://www.eecs.tu-berlin.de/grk_15891/

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CFP on "Computationally Intelligent Methods in Neural Information Processing" at the IEEE WCCI2016.
by Mufti Mahmud Dec. 17, 2015

Dec. 17, 2015

Sorry for cross-posting. Please consider circulating and contributing to the session. Thanks and regards, Mufti *Call for Paper for Special Session on * *Computationally Intelligent Methods in Neural Information Processing* *at the IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence (IEEE WCCI) 2016* Organized by: Mufti Mahmud 1-4, €, Amir Hussain 4, 5, £ 1*NeuroChip Lab, University of Padova, 35131 – Padova, Italy, *2*Institute of Information Technology, Jahangirnagar University, 1342 – Dhaka, Bangladesh, *3*Theoretical Neurobiology & Neuroengineering Lab, University of Antwerp, 2610 – Wilrijk, Belgium, *4*COSIPRA Lab, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA – Stirling, UK, *5*Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601 - China* €*Email: muftimahmud(a)gmail.com <muftimahmud(a)gmail.com>, *£*Email: ahu(a)cs.stir.ac.uk <ahu(a)cs.stir.ac.uk>* *Introduction:* The brain, being the most complex organ in human body, is specialized to process information simultaneously coming from many different sources. The neurons work as basic information processing units in the brain and interconnect to each other to form hierarchical and/or parallel pathways. These pathways are mainly involved in transforming information originated from one or more sources into either action (as in motor movements) or specialized information understood by the brain itself (as in cognitive functions). To have a detailed and better understanding of these biological phenomena two approaches have been practiced by the research community – experimental and theoretical studies. Also, some theoretical studies are inspired by the nature itself which reframes earlier computational techniques to suggest research on biophysical basis of brain research and its information processing capabilities. Needless to say that most of these studies are results of interdisciplinary research involving medical sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and cognitive sciences. *Scope:* The focus of this special session is to address the recent advances in computationally intelligent techniques in processing neural information. Developing intelligent methods capable of deciphering brain’s information processing capability is one the biggest challenges in brain research. The objective of this special session is to provide updated information and a forum for the scientists and researchers who are looking for more relevant information in decoding brain functions using expert and computationally intelligent systems. This special session is expected to attract papers on recent research progress in the area of intelligent methods in processing neural signals. The targeted research topics are, but not limited to, the following: Ø Computationally intelligent tools for analysis of Spikes, LFP, EEG, MEG, MRI/fMRI, PET, and fNIRS; Ø Computationally intelligent methods for modeling and estimating neural signals; Ø Computational intelligence in developing smart BMI and neural prosthesis; Ø Biologically inspired methods for pattern analysis in neuronal signals; Ø Machine learning methods applied to brain research; *Submission of papers:* Submit IEEE US Letter complaint pdf papers to IEEE CEC 2016, following the steps below: Ø Visit http://ieee-cis.org/conferences/cec2016/upload.php Ø Provide paper details (i.e., Paper Title, Author(s), PDF file to upload, Abstract, Preferred form of presentation, Main paper focus) Ø At '*Main research topic*' or '*Additional research topics'*, select '*8bc. Computationally Intelligent Methods in Neural Information Processing*' from the dropdown list. *Important dates:* Ø Paper submission deadline: *15 January 2016* Ø Decision notification: *15 March 2016* Ø Final paper submission and early registration deadline: *15 April 2016* Ø Conference dates: *25-29 July 2016*. -- Mufti Mahmud, PhD Postdoctoral Research Fellow NeuroChip Lab <http://www.vassanellilab.eu/> - Dept. of Biomedical Sciences <http://www.biomed.unipd.it/?L=1> University of Padova Via f. Marzolo 3 35131 - Padova, Italy Lab: +39 049 827 5308 Fax: +39 049 827 5301 https://sites.google.com/site/muftimahmud/ & Assistant Professor (on leave) Institute of Information Technology Jahangirnagar University Savar, 1342 - Dhaka, Bangladesh

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Fwd: EANN 2016 CFP Scotland
by Chrisina Jayne Dec. 17, 2015

Dec. 17, 2015

Dear Colleague, The 17th International Conference on Engineering Applications of Neural Networks will take place in Aberdeen, Scotland, between *2nd-5th September 2016* (EANN 2016 – http://www.eann.org.uk/eann2016/index.php) The INNS (International Neural Network Society) is the primary sponsor of EANN. Authors are invited to submit electronically original, English-language research contributions or experience reports not concurrently submitted elsewhere. The proceedings of the conference will be published in *Springer CCIS Series*. Extended contributions will also be considered for publication in a *Special Issue of Neural Computing and Applications Journal (Springer)*. In the spirit of the previous EANN conferences, the paper should concentrate on the application rather than just the algorithm or the theory. All application areas are relevant. Novel contributions related to deep learning and application of neural networks to data science applications are encouraged. The deadline for paper submission is *20th April 2016*. Proposals for Workshops that examine emerging, innovative, or otherwise provocative issues within the conference area are encouraged as well. Workshop proposals should include a 1-2 page summary of the topic and the names and affiliations of 3-4 panellists who have made a commitment to participate. A mix of industry and academic panel members is recommended. Proposals for 90-minute tutorials are also invited on topics within the conference area. Tutorial proposals must be at most 5 pages, they must identify the intendedaudience, and they must give enough material to provide a sense of what will be covered. Full CFP is available at http://www.eann.org.uk/eann2016/cfp.php Important deadlines are available at http://www.eann.org.uk/eann2016/timeline.php If you have any questions please email Chrisina Jayne at ( c.p.jayne(a)rgu.ac.uk) Best wishes, Prof Chrisina Jayne and Prof Lazaros Iliadis Programme Chairs for EANN2016

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4 faculty positions: Centre for Cognitive Science at Technische Universitaet Darmstadt
by Constantin Rothkopf Dec. 17, 2015

Dec. 17, 2015

Technische Universität Darmstadt is establishing a Centre for Cognitive Science and invites applications for 4 tenured professorships. The Centre’s research programme will be based on computational and engineering approaches to Cognitive Science, with strong interactions with the engineering departments. Research methodologies will include, but are not limited to, theoretical studies, human experimental work, cognitive engineering applications, the use of big data, and ubiquitous sensing. The professorships are to be filled in the Department of Human Sciences (Institutes of Psychology and of Sports Science) and in the Department of Computer Science, and will complement and interact with the existing research activities in Cognitive science at Technische Universität Darmstadt. The four positions are to be filled in the following areas: 1) One professorship (W2/W3) in the Institute of Sports Sciences in the area Sensorimotor Control & Learning 2) two professorships (W2/W3) in the Institute of Psychology in the areas Perception, Decision Making & Preference or Models of Higher Cognition (e.g. reasoning, natural language, learning and memory), 3) and one professorship (W3) in the Department of Computer Science in the areas Machine Learning or Biosignal Processing (e.g. prosthetics, brain-computer interface). Successful appointees are expected to contribute to teaching in the study programme for cognitive science, which is currently being developed, and to the undergraduate and graduate level courses of their respective departments. The positions are tenured with a remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications, following the German "W-Besoldung". The regulations for employment are specified under §§ 61 and 62 HHG (Hessisches Hochschulgesetz). The Technische Universität Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female faculty members and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. The Technische Universität Darmstadt is certified as a familiy-friendly university and offers a dual career program. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, list of publications, copies of relevant diplomas, as well as a research and teaching statement, preferably all in a single PDF file. Applications for the positions in the Institute of Sport Science and the Institute of Psychology should be directed to the Dean of the Department of Human Sciences, Professor Frank Hänsel (dekanat(a)humanw.tu-darmstadt.de) applications for the position in Computer Science should be directed to the Dean of the Department of Computer Science, Professor Reiner Hähnle (dekanat(a)informatik.tu-darmstadt.de) It is possible to apply for several of the positions. Please include the code number of the position(s) you apply for. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Constantin Rothkopf (Tel +49 6151 16-76084; rothkopf(a)psychologie.tu-darmstadt.de) or Professor Jan Peters (Tel +49-6151-16-7351; peters(a)ias.tu-darmstadt.de) For further information please also visit www.cogsci.tu-darmstadt.de. Code No. 489 (Sensorimotor Control) Code No. 490 (Perception, Decision Making & Preference, Models of Higher Cognition) Code No. 491 (Machine Learning, Biosignal Processing) Application deadline: January 31, 2016 -- Constantin A. Rothkopf, PhD Technical University Darmstadt & FIAS phone: +49 6151 16-76084 http://www.pip.tu-darmstadt.de/ mailto:rothkopf@psychologie.tu-darmstadt.de

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PhD position in computational neuroscience. 'Identification of Metastable Cortical Dynamics Underlying Cognitive Decisions'. Bournemouth & Barcelona Universities
by Emili Balaguer-Ballester Dec. 17, 2015

Dec. 17, 2015

PhD position in computational neuroscience. "Identification of Metastable Cortical Dynamics Underlying Cognitive Decisions? Bournemouth University-IDIBAPS". A PhD position is available in 3-years fully-funded project "Identification of Metastable Cortical Dynamics Underlying Cognitive Decisions"; based at Bournemouth University (UK) https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/centre/interdisciplinary-neuroscience-re… and at the Biomedical Research Institute August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS, http://www.idibaps.org/en_index.htm, University of Barcelona, Spain). Do we have analysis tools for a reliable identification of the dynamical processes underlying decision-making? This is a fundamental question, touching the very basics of our understanding of neural computation and hence one of the most exciting topics in neuroscience. However, to reconstruct in detail neural dynamics generating cognitive decisions is a major challenge for current methodologies. This would be a highly significant advance; for instance the identification of stable dynamical patterns of activity in hippocampus deserved to win the last Nobel Prize. The aim of the project is to develop innovative approaches designed for the identification of metastable dynamics underlying cognitive decisions. We aim for the fusion of statistical learning approaches to pattern discovery with methods for identifying neural attractor dynamics and neurocomputational modelling. The novel approach will reconstruct neural dynamics during tasks specifically designed at Sanchez-Vives Lab in rodents and in human subjects at the Bournemouth EEG lab. The training possibilities that this interdisciplinary project offers are multiple and relevant in building-up a high-profile as a neuroscientist. The student will benefit from the vibrant scientific environment of neural computation and neurosciences at BU https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/centre/interdisciplinary-neuroscience-re… and at the cortical networks lab; embedded in the renowned systems neuroscience network in Barcelona http://www.sanchez-vives.org/. Applicants holding a degree in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science or similar disciplines are welcome. Interest or previous training in neuroscience or laboratory experience and a strong mathematical or machine learning background would be very welcome. The researcher will be based at the Faculty of Science, Bournemouth University, and work with Dr Balaguer-Ballester at the Computational Neuroscience laboratory in the context of the interdisciplinary group for neurosciences; and will spend prolonged periods of time in the Cortical Networks Lab (IDIBAPS, Barcelona) led by Prof. Maria Victoria Sanchez-Vives; providing an outstanding opportunity to gain a diverse experience of both neuro-computational and experimental approaches. For formally applying and more information please visit https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/pgr/funded-phd-studentships-in-the-facul… Please Cc your application to eb-ballester(a)bournemouth.ac.uk For further details please do not hesitate to contact me any time: eb-ballester(a)bournemouth.ac.uk: Twitter: @emilibalball; http://dec.bournemouth.ac.uk/staff/ebb/ Kind regards, Emili BU is a Disability Two Ticks Employer and has signed up to the Mindful Employer charter. Information about the accessibility of University buildings can be found on the BU DisabledGo webpages This email is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender and delete this email, which must not be copied, distributed or disclosed to any other person. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Bournemouth University or its subsidiary companies. Nor can any contract be formed on behalf of the University or its subsidiary companies via email.

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Workshop "modeling the early visual system" in Paris, January 19-20th
by Olivier Marre Dec. 17, 2015

Dec. 17, 2015

INTRODUCTION Do we know what the early visual system does? This question was the topic of a workshop at the SFN meeting ten years ago. Over the last decade, there has been tremendous progress in understanding the computations performed in the visual system, and how they are implemented by the neural circuitry. The purpose of this workshop is to gather both theoreticians and experimentalists in the field to take stock and debate about the current challenges when trying to understand the computations performed by the early visual system, and how they result from both bottom-up and top-down processes. CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Philipp Berens, University of Tuebingen, Germany Laura Busse, University of Tuebingen, Germany Matteo Carandini, UCL, UK Frédéric Chavane, INT, Marseille, France Karl Farrow, NERF, Belgium Yves Frégnac, UNIC laboratory, CNRS, Gif sur Yvette, France Charles Gilbert, Rockefeller University, New York, USA Tim Gollisch, University of Gottingen, Germany Peter Neri, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris, France Elad Schneidman, Weizman Institute of Science, Israel Andreas Tolias, Baylor College of Medicine, Austin, USA Shimon Ullman, Weizman Institute of Science, Israel REGISTRATION This workshop will take place in the European Institute for Theoretical Neuroscience ( http://www.eitn.eu/ ), Paris, January 19th and 20th. Registration is free but mandatory. We have a few slots for posters that will be presented during the meeting. If you are interested in presenting a poster. For registration and/or abstract submission, please refer to the workshop website: http://eitnconf-190116.sciencesconf.org/ On behalf of the organizing committee, Olivier Marre Institut de la Vision F-75012 Paris

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International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS) 2016
by Zachary Kilpatrick Dec. 17, 2015

Dec. 17, 2015

We would like to remind you about… The 2nd International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS 2016) at the Congress Center in Juan-les-Pins on the French Riviera May 29 to June 1, 2016 Tutorials: May 29 Main Conference: May 30 - June 1 https://icmns2016.inria.fr/ <https://icmns2016.inria.fr/> One page abstracts will be reviewed by a Program Committee and divided into three categories: featured talks, session talks, and posters. https://icmns2016.inria.fr/call-for-contributions/ <https://icmns2016.inria.fr/call-for-contributions/> The abstract submission deadline is January 7, 2016. Meeting registration will open shortly thereafter. Questions should be directed to the conference email: icmns2016-contact(a)inria.fr <mailto:icmns2016-contact@inria.fr> CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Wulfram Gerstner (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) John Rinzel (New York University) Antoine Triller (École Normale Supérieure de Paris) Rachel Kuske (U British Columbia) Jonathan Rubin (U Pittsburgh) Hinke Osinga (U Aukland) Carina Curto (Penn State University) Ruben Moreno-Bote (Foundation Sant Joan de Deu) Hiroya Nakao (Tokyo Institute of Technology) Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Si Wu (Beijing Normal University) Alex Roxin (Centre de Recerca Matematica) PROGRAM COMMITTEE Toni Guillamon (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) Roland Potthast (U Reading) Gregory Faye (Université Paul Sabatier ) Wilhelm Stannat (TU Berlin) Jonathan Touboul (College de France) Gilles Wainrib (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Suzanne Ditlevsen (University of Copenhagen) Boris Gutkin (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Martin Wechselberger (U Sydney) Jonathan Rubin (U Pittsburgh) Martin Krupa (INRIA Sophia Antipoilis) Carlo Laing (Massey University) Andre Longtin (U Ottawa) Daniele Avitabile (U Nottingham) Jose Carrillo (Imperial College) Pascal Chossat (Université Nice Sophia Antipolis) Carson Chow (National Institutes of Health) Steve Zucker (Yale University) Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Rachel Kuske (U British Columbia) Laura Sacerdote (Universita di Torino) Reinhard Hopfner (Johannes-Gutenberg Universitat) Olivier Faugeras (INRIA - Sophia Antipolis) Paul Bressloff (U Utah) Steve Coombes (U Nottingham) CONFERENCE CHAIRS Romain Veltz (INRIA - Sophia Anitpolis) Zachary Kilpatrick (U Houston) Evelyn Buckwar (Johannes Kepler Universitat Linz) We hope to see you in Juan-les-Pins! All the best Romain, Zack, and Evelyn

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NeuronUnit/NeuroML & Modeling Postdoctoral Research Position at ASU
by Sharon Crook Dec. 16, 2015

Dec. 16, 2015

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics (Job #11446) We are soliciting applications for a postdoctoral position in the Laboratory for Informatics and Computation in Open Neuroscience at Arizona State University. This laboratory, jointly supervised by Dr. Sharon Crook and Dr. Rick Gerkin, focuses on developing resources for the community for describing, validating and sharing computational models in neuroscience. In addition, lab personnel conduct empirical and modeling studies in order to investigate fundamental questions in neuroscience. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and use of tool chains for model validation and model exchange that revolve around NeuronUnit and NeuroML. The postdoctoral researcher also will have the opportunity to choose the direction of their own modeling studies. Applicants must provide evidence of excellence in sustainable software development, experience in applications in neuroscience, and should also be highly independent, with a strong propensity for interdisciplinary research. Candidates must hold a PhD in neuroscience, computer science, applied mathematics, computational neuroscience or a related discipline by time of appointment and be highly motivated and creative. Experience with some combination of Python, XML, MySQL, Ruby on Rails, and NEURON is desirable. Named the #1 Most Innovative University in the US, Arizona State University offers an exciting research environment in a unique setting. ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona, which offers many rich cultural and outdoor opportunities with access to mountains and canyons visited by people from around the world. All applications must be submitted online through mathjobs at https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/8375 and must include the following: 1) A detailed CV 2) Two recommendation letters 3) A statement of research interest Any questions should be sent by email to Dr. Sharon Crook (sharon.crook(a)asu.edu) and Dr. Rick Gerkin (rgerkin(a)asu.edu) Initial review of applications will begin January 15, 2016; if not filled, applications will be reviewed every two weeks thereafter until the search is closed. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.

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Three PhD projects in modelling brain diseases and brain development at Newcastle University
by Marcus Kaiser Dec. 16, 2015

Dec. 16, 2015

Dear all, we are currently advertising the following three 4-year PhD positions for our lab with application deadlines early next year. The funding covers living expenses and UK/EU fees over four years and, using overseas research studentships, potentially also the higher fees for non-EU applicants. Students are chosen in competition with students who choose projects in other fields, which means that we would particularly encourage strong applicants with very good academic marks and previous research experience to apply. Please follow the links below for more information. *Newcastle-DTA PhD studentships* (1) Building brains: Which developmental pathways lead to better performance in information processing? <http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/study/postgrad/dta/documents/2016-Kaiser-122.pdf> (School: Computing Science Ref: DTA122) Within this project, a student will help to develop detailed simulations of brain network development. In addition, the student will test the performance of the grown networks on visual tasks. Through this, we will investigate (a) how developmental mechanisms are linked to the resulting topology and (b) how the resulting network is linked to processing performance. As a result, we will get a better understanding how changes during development are linked to brain architecture and how they can lead to cognitive deficits. Supervisors: Prof. Marcus Kaiser, Dr Gavin Clowry, and Dr Roman Bauer (2) Predicting patient outcomes following traumatic brain injury <http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/study/postgrad/dta/documents/2016-Kaiser-123.pdf> (School: Computing Science Ref: DTA123) In this study we will investigate the impact of simulated brain lesions using human brain connectivity data and computer simulations. We shall aim to produce biomarkers for patient outcomes. These techniques may hive wider applications in stroke, multiple sclerosis and ageing. Supervisors: Prof. Marcus Kaiser and Dr Peter Taylor Please *apply by 22 January* at http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/study/postgrad/dta/ *Newcastle-Singapore PhD studentships* (3) Improving surgery in focal epilepsy using computational modelling <http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/study/postgrad/singapore/documents/Improvingsurge…>(School: Computing Science Ref: NSS12) In this project we shall attempt to predict which patients will be seizure free after surgery. For those patients predicted to be not seizure free we shall suggest alternative strategies for surgery. See also our recent article in PLOS CB: http://www.ploscompbiol.org/article/metrics/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.… Supervisors: Dr. Peter Taylor, Prof. Marcus Kaiser, and Asst. Prof. Justin Dauwels (NTU, Singapore). The student will be based at Newcastle but also visit Singapore Please *apply by 26 February* at http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/study/postgrad/singapore/ *Research Environment* There are currently 12 faculty members with a link to neuroinformatics and computational neuroscience. Using computational models for clinical applications is a strong interest of our group (see http://neuroinformatics.ncl.ac.uk/ for an overview). Students will be based in the School of Computing Science, which was ranked #9 for research and #1 for impact in the recent UK Research Excellence Framework evaluation, as part of the ICOS Group (http://ico2s.org/ ). They will also be affiliated with the Institute of Neuroscience which integrates more than 100 principal investigators across medicine, psychology, computer science, and engineering and which was ranked #9 overall and #5 for impact in the UK ( http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ion/) Newcastle University, with 20,000 students, lies in the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne -- an area in the North-East of England with around one million inhabitants. The university is at the centre of Newcastle which itself is on the main train-line between London and Edinburgh, 20 minutes away from both the airport and the sand beach by public transport ( http://www.ncl.ac.uk/about/visit/city/ ). We also offer a one-year master programme in Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/computing/study/postgrad/taught/5199/ ) which is now accepting applications.

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DENDRITES 2016, June 18-21, Crete: CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
by Yiota Poirazi Dec. 16, 2015

Dec. 16, 2015

Please distribute to potentially interested parties and email lists. Many thanks! Looking forward to welcoming you in Crete! On behalf of the organizing committee, Yiota Poirazi ------------------------------------------------------- EMBO Workshop on Dendritic Anatomy, Molecules and Function (DENDRITES 2016) Heraklion, Crete, Greece June 18-21, 2016 http://dendrites2016.gr/ <http://www.dendrites2016.gr/> * * * * * *CALL FOR ABSTRACTS* * * * * * Abstract submission for poster and oral presentation is open until *February 15, 2016* This EMBO Workshop brings together scientific leaders to present their research on dendrites, at the molecular, anatomical and biophysical level. Apart from scientific talks from top experts in the field, the meeting includes a full day dedicated to Career Issues in academia. This session features talks from the current President of FENS as well as young Neuroscientists from theFENS-Kavli Network of Excellence <http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/> that are dealing with such issues. _Invited speakers (scientific talks): _ Claudia Clopath Daniel Dombeck Casper Hoogenraad Arthur Konnerth Attila Losonczy Judit Makara Rishikesh Narayanan Elly Nedivi Jackie Schiller Erin Schuman Idan Segev Nelson Spruston Greg Stuart _Invited speakers (Career Issues in academia):_ Monica Di Luca, FENS President: "Publication issues: right time for a reality check" Camilla Belone, FENS-Kavli Scholar: "Retention of women in high levels of neuroscienceÂ - Perspectives" Emre Yaksi, FENS-Kavli Scholar: "Funding opportunities in Neuroscience: how to write a successful grant proposal" CALL FOR ABSTRACTS We are soliciting abstracts for oral and poster presentations. We welcome both experimental and theoretical contributions addressing novel findings, methods or databases related to dendrites that fall into one or more of the following domains: * morphological and functional characterizations, * dendritic integration and compartmentalization, * dendritic channel distribution and their functional implications, * molecular pathways and signaling networks, * RNA trafficking and local protein synthesis, * functional or structural plasticity and homeostasis, * the role of dendrites in complex processes, including learning/memory, neural computations etc. Please note that places are limited and subject to availability. Attendees are highly encouraged to submit abstracts for presentations, since presenters will be given priority for registration. Instructions for on-line submission can be found at http://www.dendrites2016.gr/call-for-papers *Important dates * * Abstract submission opens: December 15th, 2016 * Abstract submission closes: February 15th, 2016 * Notification of abstract acceptance: February 29th, 2016 * Notification of oral/poster presentation: early March 2016 _Organizing committee:_ Yiota Poirazi, IMBB-FORTH Michael Hausser, UCL * * Matthew Larkum, Humboldt University IMPORTANT NOTE: The Workshop takes place on the island of Crete and is followed by the AREADNE 2016 meeting <http://areadne.org/> (June 22-26th, 2016), focusing on Research in Encoding And Decoding of Neural Ensembles, on the neighboring island of Sandorini. DENDRITES 2016 participants are encouraged to consider attending both meetings. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Please see the conference web site http://dendrites2016.gr/ <http://www.dendrites2016.gr/> or send an email to info(a)dendrites2016.gr <mailto:info@dendrites.gr> -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Director of Research Computational Biology Laboratory Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385 GR 711 10 Heraklion, Crete, GREECE Tel: +30 2810 391139 <tel:+30%202810%20391139> Fax: +30 2810 391101 <tel:+30%202810%20391101> Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr <mailto:poirazi@imbb.forth.gr> http://www.dendrites.gr Chair http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/

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Postdoctoral fellowships in computational neuroscience at the University of Washington
by Adrienne Fairhall Dec. 16, 2015

Dec. 16, 2015

We invite applications for the Washington Research Foundation Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowships in Neuroengineering at the University of Washington in Seattle. These fellowships are offered as part of the UW Institute for Neuroengineering, which aims to stimulate research excellence in the development of novel approaches to the understanding and manipulation of brain function. These highly selective fellowships fund research in computational and engineering approaches to neuroscience; joint mentoring between faculty in different disciplines (CS, engineering, mathematics, biology) is strongly encouraged. The fellowships provide two years of funding including a $65,000 annual salary and a $25,000 research stipend. Applications are due by January 15, 2016. Please see http://uwin.washington.edu/post-docs/ for more information.

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postdoc position with BRAIN project at Emory University
by Jaeger, Dieter Dec. 15, 2015

Dec. 15, 2015

A postdoctoral position is available for working in an NIH funded Obama BRAIN initiative project on the role of the basal ganglia in motor decision making in behaving mice (https://projectreporter.nih.gov/project_info_description.cfm?icde=0&aid=901…) The project aims to elucidate how subcortical structures feed back onto and influence cortical processing. The position will involve multisite recording and optogenetics in behaving mice in the Jaeger lab at Emory University, which provides a strong training environment in computational and systems neuroscience in collaboration with the Georgia Institute of Technology. The successful candidate needs previous electrophysiological experience and strong data analysis skills using Matlab or Python. A PhD in Biomedical Engineering or Neuroscience is preferred. If interested & qualified, please contact djaeger(a)emory.edu. 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).

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Postdoc in Computational Neuroscience/ Robotics
by Sen Cheng Dec. 15, 2015

Dec. 15, 2015

A postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience/ robotics is available immediately in the research unit of Prof. Sen Cheng in the Institute for Neural Computing at the Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. For further information see www.rub.de/cns. The postdoc will study spatial navigation and learning in robots using biologically realistic algorithms. The focus will be on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation and learning in mammals, in particular, the role of the hippocampus in these processes. The salary will be on the standard German pay scale of TV-L E13. The full-time position is available immediately for two years with the possibility of extension. Limited teaching in computational neuroscience and/ or robotics is required. Candidates should have a doctoral degree in neuroscience, robotics, computer science, physics, or a related field. Competence in mathematical modeling, and excellent programming skills are mandatory. Familiarity with robotics and computational neuroscience would be a further asset. To apply please send a statement of your motivation and research interests, academic transcripts, and a complete CV to sen.cheng(a)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 Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. --- Prof. Dr. Sen Cheng Ruhr-University Bochum Mercator Research Group "Structure of Memory" Universitaetsstr. 150 44801 Bochum Germany office: GA 04/48 | +49-234- 32 27136 | FAX: +49-234- 32 07136 sen.cheng(a)rub.de | http://www.rub.de/cns

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BRAIN Initiative post-doctoral position
by Joshua Gold Dec. 14, 2015

Dec. 14, 2015

The Gold lab (http://www.med.upenn.edu/goldlab <http://www.med.upenn.edu/goldlab>) at the University of Pennsylvania is looking for an energetic and talented post-doc to participate in a funded BRAIN Initiative grant studying neural mechanisms of individual differences in learning and decision-making (http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=135926 <http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1533623>). The work will combine psychophysics, single-unit electrophysiology, and computational modeling. A strong background in systems neuroscience is preferred. Anyone interested should contact Joshua Gold directly via e-mail (jigold(a)mail.med.upenn.edu <mailto:jigold@mail.med.upenn.edu>). Please include a CV and cover letter stating your research experience and reasons for applying to this position. Also please be prepared to provide contact information for up to three references upon request. Penn has a rich and interactive environment for both systems and computational neuroscience, with journal clubs, lab meetings, retreats, and other joint activities, many of which are organized by our new Computational Neuroscience Initiative (CNI: http://cni.upenn.edu <http://cni.upenn.edu/>). We also value diversity and seek talented individuals from diverse backgrounds (http://jobs.hr.upenn.edu <http://jobs.hr.upenn.edu/>).

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Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop 2016: Call for Topics
by Ralph Etienne-Cummings Dec. 14, 2015

Dec. 14, 2015

Call for Topic Area Proposals 2016 Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop *Telluride, Colorado, June 26 –July 16, 2016* *DEADLINE: January 8th, 2016* We are now accepting proposals for Topic Areas in the 2016 Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop. We support topics and projects in neuromorphic cognition, particularly those that involve solving challenging ‘everyday’ tasks that incorporate domain-specific knowledge, exploration, prediction, and problem solving. In particular, we are interested in projects that hold promise for addressing Grand Challenge types of problems that do not have strong solutions of any form, neuromorphic or not. These Challenge problems should feature long-duration sensorimotor problems that involve autonomous cognitive decision making. Examples might include tasks such as learning a new language, navigating through an unknown environment to locate an object or reach a desired location, visual and auditory understanding of human actions, adaptively manipulating unknown or complex objects in the service of a task, playing a game requiring inference of hidden information or long-term planning and learning, etc. Proposals related to hardware technologies that aim to bring these capabilities to reality are also encouraged. Topic proposals that aim to solve a particular problem using the multidisciplinary experience of participants will be favored over topics that simply gather a large number of people working within a discipline, or using a single technology, or approach. Topic areas for this summer's Telluride Neuromorphic Cognition Engineering Workshop <http://ine-web.org/> will be chosen from proposals submitted to the organizers. *Topic areas can span a large field; we are looking for leadership in planning activities and inviting good people in a field.* Although past topic areas have tended to be very broad and discipline-oriented (e.g., cognition, audition, vision, robotics, neural interfacing, neuromorphic VLSI, etc.), application-oriented topic areas (e.g., sensor fusion, game-playing robot, object recognition, sound localization, human robot interaction, etc.) are especially desirable. *Topic area leaders will receive housing for themselves and their invitees, and limited travel funds.* Topic area leaders will help to define the field of neuromorphic cognition engineering through the projects they pursue and the people they invite. They shape their topic by inviting speakers and project leaders (the *invitees*) and by initiating topic area project discussions prior to the workshop. Teams of two organizers are required. One of the organizers should be an attendee of a previous Telluride Workshop (in any capacity) and has stayed at the Workshop for at least one week. *Pre-workshop topic area choices and study assignments.* Before the workshop begins, each topic area will be required to prepare and distribute study materials that constitute: 1) an introductory presentation (e.g., pptx, video, review paper) of the fundamental knowledge associated with the topic area that *everyone at the workshop* should be exposed to, and 2) a few critical papers that the participants in the topic area should read before the workshop. The topic area should 3) begin a serious group discussion of the projects (e.g., via Facebook, Skype, email, etc). *The maximum 2-page proposals should include:* 1. Title of topic area. 2. Names of the two topic leaders, their affiliations, and contact information (email addresses). 3. A paragraph explaining the focus and goals of the topic area. 4. A list of possible specific topic area projects. 5. A list of example invitees (up to six names and institutions). No commitments necessary. 6. Any other material that fits within the two-page limit that will help us make a smart choice. *Send your topic area proposal* in pdf or text format to organizers13(a)neuromorphs.net <organizers12(a)neuromorphs.net> with subject line containing "topic area proposal". *Proposals must be received by January 8, 2016*; proposals received after the deadline may still be considered if space is available. *We expect to accept 4-5 topic areas*, each with 5 invitees*.* If your proposal for the topic area is not accepted, we will work with you to see if there is a natural way to include your ideas (and you) into the accepted topic areas. We hope to have significant turn-over each year in the topic areas and leaders to ensure fresh new ideas and participants. See the Institute of Neuromorphic Engineering (www.ine-web.org) for background information on the workshop and neuromorphs.net <https://neuromorphs.net/ws2009/wiki/PastWorkshops> for past workshop wikis. We look forward to your topic proposals! *Deadline: January 8, 2016* *The Workshop Directors:* Cornelia Fermüller <http://www.cfar.umd.edu/~fer/> (University of Maryland), Ralph Etienne-Cummings <http://etienne.ece.jhu.edu/people/ralph/index.html> (Johns Hopkins Univ.) Shih-Chii Liu <https://www.ini.uzh.ch/~shih/> (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich), Timmer Horiuchi <https://www.isr.umd.edu/faculty/horiuchi> (University of Maryland), Katalin Gotthard <http://physiological-sciences.arizona.edu/katalin-gothard> (University of Arizona), Michael Pfeiffer <https://www.ini.uzh.ch/~pfeiffer/index.html> (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich), Francisco Barranco <fbarranco(a)ugr.es> (University of Granada) *Former 2007-2013 Workshop Director: * Tobi Delbruck <https://www.ini.uzh.ch/~tobi/> (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich) -- Ralph Etienne-Cummings, PhD, FIEEE Professor and Chairman Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Computational Sensor Motor Systems Lab Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics The Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD [image: cid:image001.png@01CFC064.B58B46A0]

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four postdoctoral positions available at the University of Göttingen
by Schloegl, Christian Dec. 14, 2015

Dec. 14, 2015

The Georg-August-University Göttingen, the German Primate Center and the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience are looking to fill four positions of Postdoctoral fellows The postdoctoral fellows will be associated with the Cognitive Ethology Laboratory (Julia Fischer, www.dpz.eu/de/abteilung/kognitive-ethologie<http://www.dpz.eu/de/abteilung/kognitive-ethologie>), the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory (Stefan Treue, www.dpz.eu/cnl<http://www.dpz.eu/cnl>), including the Sensorimotor Group (Alexander Gail, www.dpz.eu/smg<http://www.dpz.eu/smg>) and the Decision and Awareness Group (Igor Kagan, www.dpz.eu/dag<http://www.dpz.eu/dag>), at the University of Göttingen and the German Primate Center, or the Theoretical Neurophysics Group (Fred Wolf, https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/58058.html) at the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience. All positions are at pay grade 13 TV-L, full-time (currently 39, 80 hours per week) for an initial duration of 2 years and are available immediately. Your project We are recruiting postdoctoral fellows for an interdisciplinary research project studying social interactions and decision-making in human and non-human primates. For this purpose, a novel experimental platform is to be developed for behavioral (and with the later option of electrophysiological / stimulation) studies of sensorimotor decision-making in cooperative and competitive social interaction settings, across humans and different non-human primate species. We are searching for two postdoctoral fellows with an experimental or engineering background to develop this innovative experimental platform by integrating several technological (e.g., eye-tracking, hand motion tracking, real-time behavior-contingent visual stimuli, etc.) and methodological approaches (e.g., from neurosciences, behavioral biology and psychology) into a single experimental tool. Two postdoctoral fellows with a mathematical or theoretical background are expected to develop a mathematical framework and the computational tools for the analysis of large-scale multimodal data streams to be generated through the platform and from other sources. Your profile We are looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic and creative researchers with strong experimental and/or analytical skills. Good command of written and spoken English is a must, German is a plus. The ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and the capacity to supervise students and technical personnel is expected. Successful candidates for the development of the experimental platform should have a PhD in cognitive science, psychology, behavioral biology, neuroscience or related fields. Demonstrable experience with designing, conducting and analyzing behavioral experiments in humans and/or non-human primates is essential; programming skills and an understanding of hardware and software integration in real-time experimental systems is beneficial; a prior experience in studying social interactions is of additional value. Successful candidates for the development of computational tools should have a PhD in computational neuroscience, physics, mathematics, informatics, statistics, or related fields. Advanced knowledge of stochastic dynamics, systems and signal theory, as well as excellent computational skills are required. Extensive experience with the analysis of complex data streams is a plus. Ideal candidates will be driven by a genuine interest in theoretical approaches to complex biological systems. The project is embedded in the recently established Leibniz ScienceCampus "Primate Cognition" (www.primate-cognition.eu/en<http://www.primate-cognition.eu/en>) that encompasses a wide range of Göttingen researchers from multiple disciplines interested in understanding primate cognitive functions. Due to a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the project, and the recent upsurge of interest in the social aspects of decision-making and goal-directed actions both locally and in the international scientific community, it promises to be very visible. While the fellow positions are available for two years, the goals and the underlying framework of the project are a central part of the long-term commitment of the "Primate Cognition" scientific community and are expected to be continued. 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 as they are underrepresented in this field. Disabled persons with equivalent aptitude will be favored. The positions are generally suitable for part-time employment. Please send your application with the usual documents submitted as a single PDF file via email to the ScienceCampus coordinator, Dr. Christian Schloegl (cschloegl(a)dpz.eu<mailto:cschloegl@dpz.eu>), with the subject "Application social decision-making". Application deadline is January 31st, 2016. Three months after completion of the application process, submitted application material will be deleted. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Christian Schloegl (cschloegl(a)dpz.eu<mailto:cschloegl@dpz.eu>; phone: +49-551-3851-480). _________________________________ Dr. Christian Schloegl Leibniz-WissenschaftsCampus Primatenkognition Deutsches Primatenzentrum GmbH Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen Tel: +49 551 3851-480 Fax: +49 551 3851-489 E-Mail: cschloegl(a)dpz.eu<mailto:cschloegl@dpz.eu> http://www.primate-cognition.eu<http://www.primate-cognition.eu/> Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrates: MDgt Rüdiger Eichel Geschäftsführer: Prof. Dr. Stefan Treue, Assessor jur. Michael Lankeit Sitz der Gesellschaft: Göttingen Handelsregister: Göttingen HRB 933

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Postdoctoral positions at the interface of algebraic topology and theoretical neuroscience at Penn State
by Vladimir Itskov Dec. 12, 2015

Dec. 12, 2015

Dear colleagues, Applicants are invited for postdoctoral positions at the interface of theoretical neuroscience and algebraic topology or applied algebra. An ideal candidate is a mathematics Ph.D. with background in areas such as algebraic topology, geometry, commutative algebra, or combinatorics. Prior familiarity with neuroscience is not required, but interest in learning the relevant background is expected. The postdoctoral fellow will engage in the development of novel mathematical methods for understanding neural coding and neural networks. To apply, please submit your application via the mathjobs.org website in response to the job ad http://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/7575 See also http://sites.psu.edu/mathneurolab/ for more information. __________________________________ Vladimir Itskov Associate Professor of Mathematics The Pennsylvania State University email: vladimir.itskov(a)psu.edu http://www.personal.psu.edu/vui1 __________________________________

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faculty positions at Penn State
by Vladimir Itskov Dec. 12, 2015

Dec. 12, 2015

---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2015 14:57:49 -0500 From: "Adam Smith (CSE)" <asmith(a)cse.psu.edu> Subject: data science/ML and cognitive science faculty positions at Penn State -- talk to us at NIPS! Penn State will be hiring multiple faculty in "data science" and "brain science", broadly defined. There are open positions in the department of Computer Science & Engineering as well as Statistics, and positions have the potential to be joint with other departments at Penn State. The ad for the CSE department follows. I will be at NIPS on Thursday (11am poster session) and Friday (at the workshop on adaptive data analysis). Send me an email if you'd like to talk! Adam Smith -- Penn State Computer Science & Engineering http://www.cse.psu.edu/~asmith Links: https://psu.jobs/job/60027 http://eecs.psu.edu/departments/EECS-Departments-Employment-Opportunities.a… http://cra.org/job/pennsylvania-state-university-faculty-position-vacancies/ =========================== Applications are invited for several tenure-track faculty positions at all ranks. Outstanding candidates in all areas of Computer Science and Engineering will be considered. Areas of particular interest are: hardware systems, computer architecture/embedded systems, software systems, brain science, data science, and security with applications to networking, systems and data analytics. Faculty lines in the areas of architecture/embedded systems, data science, and networking will be hired jointly with the Department of Electrical Engineering in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Hiring in the brain science (especially around the analyses of imaging data) and the security of large-scale cyberphysical systems (including smart grids and food-water-energy systems), will be jointly hired with the Institute for CyberScience. These positions are part of a university-wide initiative to appoint exceptional candidates who can advance algorithms, software and hardware systems with a demonstrated commitment to participating in interdisciplinary research (see www.ics.psu.edu/hire.html) The department has 30 tenure-track faculty in the major areas of computer science and engineering. Fourteen members of our faculty are NSF Career Award recipients. Three faculty members from the department have received the prestigious NSF PECASE Award. In recent years, faculty in the department were awarded several large-scale research grants, including the Collaborative Research Alliance for the Science of Security, a Collaborative Technology Alliance for Network Science and an NSF Expeditions in Computing award. Further, the faculty have received awards in computing and research infrastructure and instrumentation grants from NSF, and are part of DARPA/STARNET Center, an NSF ERC and NSF IGERT team. The faculty are highly successful in obtaining funding from NSF, DARPA, ARL, DOE, DTRA, AFOSR and AOR. There are state-of-the-art research labs for computer systems, computer vision and robotics, microsystems design and VLSI, networking and security, high performance computing, bioinformatics and virtual environments. The department offers a graduate program with 30 Masters students and 132 Ph.D. students, and undergraduate programs in computer science and computer engineering. The university is committed to growing the faculty ranks and promoting interdisciplinary research toward cyber-enabled discovery and design. Penn State is a major research university and is ranked 3rd in the nation in industry-sponsored research and 8th in the nation in research expenditures. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks Penn State?s College of Engineering undergraduate and graduate programs among the top in nation. Penn State is ranked 5th world wide in Computer Science Citations according to Thomson-Reuters. The university is located in the beautiful college town of State College in the center of Pennsylvania. The State College area has 130,000 inhabitants and offers a wide variety of cultural and outdoor recreational activities. The university offers outstanding events from collegiate sporting events to fine arts productions. Many major population centers on the east coast (New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Baltimore) are only a few hours drive away and convenient air services to several major hubs are operated by three major airlines out of State College. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related field and should be committed to excellence in both research and teaching. Support will be provided to the successful applicants for establishing their research programs. We strongly encourage dual career couples and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Applicants should submit a statement of professional interests, curriculum vitae, and the names and addresses of four references. Please submit these items in a single PDF file electronically at http://apptrkr.com/681413. Nominations and applications will be considered until the positions are filled. If you have questions regarding the application process, please email recruiting(a)cse.psu.edu. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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MICCAI 2016 - Call for Papers and Workshop/Tutorial/Challenge Proposals
by Devrim Unay Dec. 12, 2015

Dec. 12, 2015

[Apologies for cross posting] We are writing to invite you to participate in *MICCAI 2016*, the 19th International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention, which will be held from *October 17th to 21st, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey*. Call for papers can be found here: http://miccai2016.org/en/CALL-FOR-PAPERS.html. The paper submission deadline is *March 10, 2016*. Call for workshop/tutorial/challenge proposals can be found here: http://miccai2016.org/en/SATELLITE-EVENTS.html. The proposal submission deadline is *January 19, 2016*. For the latest information, please refer to our website: http://miccai2016.org. Also, please follow us on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/groups/1050034681703084/> and Twitter <https://twitter.com/MICCAI2016>. We look forward to welcoming you to Istanbul in October 2016! On Behalf of the MICCAI 2016 Organizing Committee Sebastien Ourselin General Chair

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1st call for papers: PRNI 2016
by Jo Etzel Dec. 11, 2015

Dec. 11, 2015

******* please accept our apologies for cross-posting ******* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FIRST CALL FOR PAPERS PRNI 2016 6th International Workshop on Pattern Recognition in Neuroimaging 22-24 June 2016 Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), Trento, Italy www.prni.org - @PRNI2016 - www.facebook.com/PRNI2016/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Paper submission deadline: 18 March 2016, 11:59 pm PST Acceptance notification: 22 April 2016 Camera-ready paper deadline: 7 May 2016 Oral and poster sessions: 22-24 June 2016 Pattern recognition techniques have become an important tool for neuroimaging data analysis. These techniques are helping to elucidate normal and abnormal brain function, cognition and perception, anatomical and functional brain architecture, biomarkers for diagnosis and personalized medicine, and as a scientific tool to decipher neural mechanisms underlying human cognition. The International Workshop on Pattern Recognition in Neuroimaging (PRNI) aims to: (1) foster dialogue between developers and users of cutting-edge analysis techniques in order to find matches between analysis techniques and neuroscientific questions; (2) showcase recent methodological advances in pattern recognition algorithms for neuroimaging analysis; and (3) identify challenging neuroscientific questions in need of new analysis approaches. PRNI welcomes submissions on topics including, but not limited to: * Learning from neuroimaging data - Algorithms for brain-state decoding or encoding - Optimization and regularization - Bayesian analysis of neuroimaging data - Causal inference and time delay techniques - Network and connectivity models (the connectome) - Dynamic and time-varying models - Dynamical systems and simulations - Empirical mode decomposition, multiscale decompositions - Combination of different data modalities - Efficient algorithms for large-scale data analysis * Interpretability of models and results - High-dimensional data visualization - Multivariate and multiple hypothesis testing - Summarization and presentation of inference results * Applications - Disease diagnosis and prognosis - Real-time decoding of brain states - Analysis of resting-state and task-based data - MEG, EEG, structural MRI, fMRI, diffusion MRI, ECoG, NIRS Authors should prepare full papers with a maximum length of 4 pages (two column IEEE style) for double-blind review. The manuscript submission deadline is 18 March 2016. Accepted manuscripts will be assigned either to an oral or poster sessions; all accepted manuscripts will be included in the workshop proceedings. -- Joset A. Etzel, Ph.D. Research Analyst Cognitive Control & Psychopathology Lab Washington University in St. Louis http://mvpa.blogspot.com/

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Postdoc in mathematical neuroscience at the University of Houston/UC, Boulder
by Kresimir Josic Dec. 11, 2015

Dec. 11, 2015

We are looking for a postdoctoral associate with a background in applied mathematics and/or computational neuroscience. The successful applicant will work with Krešimir Josić at the University of Houston and Zack Kilpatrick at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The goal of the project is to use linear response theory and its extensions to predict how patterns of activity and structure of neuronal networks co-evolve. This is a collaborative project with Brent Doiron (Pitt) and Eric Shea-Brown (UW, Seattle). The deadline for applications is January 15, 2016. This position is expected to run September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2018. Interested applicants can apply online at at the University of Houston jobs website: https://jobs.uh.edu/postings/28856 <https://jobs.uh.edu/postings/28856> Please contact Krešimir Josić (josic(a)math.uh.edu <mailto:josic@math.uh.edu>) or Zack Kilpatrick (zpkilpat(a)math.uh.edu <mailto:zpkilpat@math.uh.edu>) if you have any questions. The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Additionally, the University prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. -- ** Krešimir Josić ** Department of Mathematics ** University of Houston ** http://math.uh.edu/~josic ** Tel: (713) 743-3485

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PhD at Edinburgh on data analysis
by Matthias Hennig Dec. 10, 2015

Dec. 10, 2015

A funded PhD position is available at the University of Edinburgh to develop and implement efficient paralellised methods for analysis of large scale, high density multielectrode array recordings. The project will focus on analysis of primary raw data from a 4,096 channel array, and aims at improving spike detection and sorting, and statistical analysis of multi-neuron activity. Data will come from the labs of Evelyne Sernagor (Newcastle, retina) and Luca Berdondini (IIT Genova, cultured networks). Applicants should have a strong quantitative background and interest in interdisciplinary research. Background in neuroscience and/or parallel programming is desirable, but not essential. This position is available to UK/EU applicants, and eligible for funding by the EPSRC CDT in Pervasive Parallelism. Interested individuals should send a c.v., statement of interest and the names of three references to Matthias Hennig (h.hennig(a)ed.ac.uk) Apply by 1 February 2016. PPar http://pervasiveparallelism.inf.ed.ac.uk/ J.-O. Muthmann, H. Amin, E. Sernagor, A. Maccione, D. Panas, L. Berdondini, U.S. Bhalla, M.H. Hennig (2015). Spike detection for large neural populations using high density multielectrode arrays. Front Neuroinform, 9:28. http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fninf.2015.00028/abstract D. Panas, H. Amin, A. Maccione, O. Muthmann, M. van Rossum, L. Berdondini, M.H. Hennig (2015). Sloppiness in spontaneously active neuronal networks. J Neurosci, 35(22): 8480-8492. http://www.jneurosci.org/content/35/22/8480.full -- Matthias H Hennig http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/mhennig/ -- Matthias H Hennig http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/mhennig/ The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

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PhD student position in Computational Vision - Video Analysis at KTH in Stockholm
by Tony Lindeberg Dec. 10, 2015

Dec. 10, 2015

PhD student position in Computational Vision - Video Analysis at KTH in Stockholm Job description The position is in the area of Computational Vision — the science of understanding the computational mechanisms underlying visual perception and of equipping computers with visual perceptual abilities to make them see. The goal of this specific project is to develop new approaches for computing image features in terms of receptive fields for analyzing spatio-temporal image data (video or real-time image streams) in a theoretically well-founded manner for purposes in computer vision and computational modelling of biological vision. The main focus is specifically on developing computational vision methods for video analysis that are based on image operations in terms of time-causal and time-recursive spatio-temporal receptive fields, which only make use of information from the present moment and a compact buffer of what has occurred in the past, for which we have recently developed a novel theoretical scale-space framework at KTH. The main work to be done concerns: (i) extending this framework to different types of spatio-temporal feature detection tasks, (ii) integrating the framework into higher-order visual tasks and (iii) evaluating the performance on benchmark problems as a guide to further developments. There are possibilities of working theoretically (mathematically), algorithmically and experimentally in close collaboration with the supervisor. An overview of the research environment can be found at https://www.kth.se/profile/76171/page/computational-vision-at-csc-kth. Qualifications The candidate should have a strong computationally oriented background. The preference is for a candidate with a Master's degree in Engineering Physics or Computer Science with focus towards applied mathematics, computer science and numerical computations or a MSc/MEng education leading to similar skills. Good knowledge about computer vision and machine learning is a strong merit. The candidate should have good analytical abilities to work individually on problem solving and in good collaboration with the supervisor, specifically of working systematically and with good communication skills being able to present the results in writing and at scientific meetings. Good programming skills are necessary with the ability of working both with algorithm development in Matlab and if necessary complementing by more efficient implementations in C or C++. Applicants must be strongly motivated for doctoral studies, possess the ability to work independently and perform critical analysis and also possess good levels of cooperative and communicative abilities. Department information The position belongs to the Computational Brain Science group in the recently merged departments of Computational Biology and High Performance Computing and Visualization at the School of Computer Science and Communication. For more information visit https://www.kth.se/en/csc/forskning/cb. Additional information For further information and details about how to apply, please see https://www.kth.se/en/om/work-at-kth/lediga-jobb/what:job/jobID:82576/ The deadline for applications is on January 17, 2016. [cid:FD2B374F-C472-4895-ADA7-B3CD5419FD22@csc.kth.se] Tony Lindeberg Professor of Computer Science — Computational Vision KTH Royal Institute of Technology School of Computer Science and Communication Department of Computational Biology SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden Phone: +46 8 790 6205 http://www.csc.kth.se/~tony

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ACAN 2016 - Call for Applications
by Geoff Goodhill Dec. 10, 2015

Dec. 10, 2015

Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows interested in using electrophysiological and optical techniques in their research are encouraged to apply for the Australian Course in Advanced Neuroscience (ACAN) 2016, which will be held from 10th to 30th of April 2016 at the Moreton Bay Research Station, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia. ACAN is an intensive three-week course that guides participants through the theory and practice of electrophysiological recording and optical imaging techniques using a unique balance of small group lectures and hands-on laboratory work. Lectures from leading faculty will outline in an informal atmosphere the theoretical basis of cellular and systems neuroscience, and the principles of electrophysiological and optical recording techniques. During the course each participant will become proficient in patch-clamp recording, both in vitro and in vivo, calcium imaging, optogenetics, and many other techniques through unbridled access to state-of-the-art equipment, guided by the faculty. The course is also a lot of fun, with many ACAN students developing close friendships and collaborations during and after the course. In 2016 ACAN faculty will include: Cliff Abraham Ehsan Arabzadeh George Augustine Brad Baker John Bekkers Yossi Buskila Vincent Daria Alan Finkel Andreas Frick Yukiko Goda Geoff Goodhill Brett Graham Maarten Kole Matthew Larkum Joe Lynch Peregrine Osborne Lucy Palmer Steve Petrou Chris Reid Mala Shah Stephen Williams Twelve students will be selected to attend ACAN 2016. The application deadline is Monday 11th Jan 2016. For full details about the course, including the program, please visit: http://acan.qbi.uq.edu.au <http://acan.qbi.uq.edu.au/> In order to apply for ACAN 2016, you must: be a currently-enrolled PhD student, a postdoctoral fellow, or junior faculty (preferably with no more than 5 years after completing your PhD). Preference will be given, but is not exclusive, to those who are full-time residents of Australia or NZ (but you do not need to be a citizen or permanent resident of those countries). In your application you should include: - a completed application form (obtained from http://acan.qbi.uq.edu.au <http://acan.qbi.uq.edu.au/>) - your CV. - a covering letter that clearly states how you will apply the skills taught at ACAN to your research. - a reference from your supervisor, including a confirmation that funds are available to allow you to attend the course. - The fee for ACAN 2016 is A$4500, which covers all meals, accommodation, laboratory supplies and teaching materials. Scholarships from the Neurological Foundation of New Zealand are available for NZ citizens/permanent residents. Please send applications to: Prof Stephen Williams Queensland Brain Institute Email: srw(a)uq.edu.au <mailto:srw@uq.edu.au> http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/group-leader-williams <http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/group-leader-williams>

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IWSP7/ME@MBC talks now online
by Levin Kuhlmann Dec. 10, 2015

Dec. 10, 2015

A selection of the talks from "IWSP7: Epilepsy Mechanisms, Models, Prediction & Control" and the overlapping "Melbourne Epilepsy" (ME@MBC) meeting held at the University of Melbourne, Australia, during 3-7 August 2015 are now online on the IWSP7 YouTube Channel at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy_d33ZB6xL7Cx8-eN7Fwxg/playlists Re-live the action, or share it with your friends or colleagues. On behalf of the local organizing committee Levin Kuhlmann, PhD David B. Grayden, PhD Mark J. Cook, MD Anthony N. Burkitt, PhD Dean R. Freestone, PhD Tatiana Kameneva, PhD Alan Lai, PhD Elma O'Sullivan-Greene, PhD Andre Peterson, PhD Email: organizingcommittee(a)iwsp7.org<mailto:organizingcommittee@iwsp7.org>

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post-doc position at the center for sleep and consciousness in the integrated information theory (IIT) group (Prof. Giulio Tononi)
by Larissa Albantakis Dec. 9, 2015

Dec. 9, 2015

*Post-doc position(s) at the Center for Sleep and Consciousness * Prof. Giulio Tononi, University of Wisconsin, Madison Several postdoctoral positions are available at the center for sleep and consciousness science in the laboratory of Prof. Giulio Tononi (University of Wisconsin, Madison, http://integratedinformationtheory.org/) to study information and causation within the framework of the integrated information theory. Immediate funding is available for a range of projects on foundational questions regarding information, causation, emergence, adaptation, evolution and complexity, especially in the context of neural networks. Candidates are expected to have strong training in an analytically rigorous discipline such as theoretical biology/neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. We explicitly encourage mathematicians to apply. Experience in information theory, complex systems, and an interest in the philosophy of causation are a plus. Programming experience is required (knowledge of MATLAB, Python, and/or C++ is of advantage). Appointments are renewable from year to year for up to 3 years, starting as soon as possible or until the positions are filled. Post-doc salaries correspond to the National Institutes of Health National Research Service Award (NRSA) stipend schedule for postdoc trainees, based on number of years of postdoctoral experience. Candidates should send a CV, brief statement of previous research and future research interests, and email addresses and phone numbers of three references to: Giulio Tononi, gtononi(a)wisc.edu. For more information contact Larissa Albantakis (albantakis(a)wisc.edu) or William Marshall (wmarshall3(a)wisc.edu) Albantakis L, Hintze A, Koch C, Adami C, Tononi G (2014) Evoluation of Integrated Causal Structures in Animats Exposed to Environments of Increasing Complexity. PLoS Comput Biol 10(12):e1003966 Oizumi M, Albantakis L, Tononi G (2014) From the Phenomenology to the Mechanisms of Consciousness: Integrated Information Theory 3.0. PLoS Comput Biol 10(5):e1003588 Hoel EP, Albantakis L, Tononi G (2013) Quantifying causal emergence shows that macro can beat micro. PNAS, 110(49), 19790–19795. Albantakis L, Tononi G (2015) The Intrinsic Cause-Effect Power of Discrete Dynamical Systems—From Elementary Cellular Automata to Adapting Animats. Entropy 17.8 (2015): 5472-5502. -- Larissa Albantakis, PhD Department of Psychiatry University of Wisconsin 6001 Research Park Blvd Madison, WI 53719

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Announcement: Groningen Spring School on Cognitive Modeling
by Jelmer Borst Dec. 9, 2015

Dec. 9, 2015

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

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PhD studentship in visual decision making
by Ronald van den Berg Dec. 9, 2015

Dec. 9, 2015

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

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Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience at the Italian Institute of Technology to study origin and function of slow cortical oscillations
by Stefano Panzeri Dec. 9, 2015

Dec. 9, 2015

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

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fully funded 4-year phd studentship - functional network analysis of EEG (application deadline next monday - 14th December!
by Allan, Dr Kevin Dec. 8, 2015

Dec. 8, 2015

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

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PhD position in computational neuroscience available for project "Learning to hear with plasticity across multiple timescales" at Imperial College London
by Dan Goodman Dec. 8, 2015

Dec. 8, 2015

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

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IBM Journal of R&D, Special Issue on "Computational Neuroscience"
by James R Kozloski Dec. 8, 2015

Dec. 8, 2015

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

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IBM Research, Postdoctoral Entry Research Position
by James R Kozloski Dec. 7, 2015

Dec. 7, 2015

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

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Computational Neuroscience Graduate Positions available at the University of Minnesota
by David Redish Dec. 7, 2015

Dec. 7, 2015

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

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PhD in computational neuroscience at Oxford
by Rafal Bogacz Dec. 7, 2015

Dec. 7, 2015

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

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PhD Studentships in Computational Neuroscience at the University of Hertfordshire
by Torben-Nielsen, Benjamin Dec. 5, 2015

Dec. 5, 2015

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

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CFP: 18th AAMAS International Workshop on Trust in Agent Societies (TRUST 2016)
by AAMAS TRUST 2016 Dec. 4, 2015

Dec. 4, 2015

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18th International Workshop on Trust in Agent Societies http://ntu.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=07e4000aa14279005e8843364&id=… Co-located with AAMAS 2016 (http://ntu.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=07e4000aa14279005e8843364&id=…) May 9-13, 2016, Singapore (Workshop will be held either May 9 or May 10) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Trust is important in many kinds of interactions, including direct or computer- mediated human interaction, human-computer interaction and among social agents; it characterizes those elements that are essential in social reliability. It also informs the selection of partners for successful multiagent coordination (for example, in robotics applications). Trust is more than communication that is robust against repudiation or interference. The reliability of information about the status of a trade partner, for example, is only partly dependent on secure communication. With the growing prevalance of social interaction through electronic means, trust, reputation, privacy and identity become more and more important. Trust is not just a simple, monolithic concept; it is multi-faceted, operating at many levels of interaction, and playing many roles. Another growing trend is the use of reputation mechanisms, and in particular the interesting link between trust and reputation. Many computational and theoretical models and approaches to reputation have been developed in recent years (for ecommerce, social networks, blogs, etc.). Further, identity and associated trustworthiness must be ascertained for reliable interactions and transactions. Trust is foundational for the notion of agency and for its defining relation of acting "on behalf of". It is also critical for modeling and supporting groups and teams, for both organization and coordination, with the related trade-off between individual utility and collective interest. The electronic medium seems to weaken the usual bonds of social control and the disposition to cheat grows stronger: this is yet another context where trust modeling is critical. The aim of the workshop is to bring together researchers (ideally from different disciplines) who can contribute to a better understanding of trust and reputation in agent societies. We welcome submissions of high-quality research addressing issues that are clearly relevant to trust, deception, privacy, reputation, security and control in agent-based systems, from theoretical, applied and interdisciplinary perspectives. Submitted contributions should be original and not submitted elsewhere. Papers accepted for presentation must be relevant to the workshop, and to demonstrate clear exposition, offering new ideas in suitable depth and detail. The scope of the workshop includes (but is not limited to): o Trust and risk-aware decision making o Game-theoretic models of trust o Deception and fraud, and its detection and prevention o Intrusion resilience in trusted computing o Reputation mechanisms o Trust in the socio-technical system o Trust in partners and in authorities o Trust during coordination and negotiation of agents o Privacy and access control in multi-agent systems o Detecting and preventing collusion o Trust in human-agent interaction o Trust and information provenance o Trust and identity o Trust within organizations o Trust, security and privacy in social networks o Trustworthy infrastructure and services o Trust modeling for real-world applications -------------------------------------------------------------- Important Dates (Firm Deadlines) o Submission deadline: February 15, 2016 o Notification: March 5, 2016 o Camera-ready deadline: March 10, 2016 ------------------------------------------------------------- Organising Committee o Jie Zhang, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore o Robin Cohen, University of Waterloo, Canada o Murat Sensoy, Ozyegin University, Turkey ------------------------------------------------------------- Steering Committee o Rino Falcone, ISTC-CNR, Roma, Italy (Chair) o Robin Cohen, University of Waterloo, Canada o Timothy Norman, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK o Munindar Singh, North Carolina State University, USA (Emeriti) o Suzanne Barber, University of Texas, USA (Emeriti) ------------------------------------------------------------- Programme Committee o Suzanne Barber, University of Texas, USA o Cristiano Castelfranchi, ISTC-CNR, Roma, Italy o Robert Demolombe, IRIT, Toulouse, France o Rino Falcone, ISTC-CNR, Roma, Italy o Hui Fang, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, China o Siwei Jiang, Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, Singapore o Catholijn Jonker, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands o Audun Jøsang, University of Oslo, Norway o Yung-Ming Li, National Chiao Tung University, Taiwan o Churn-Jung Liau, Academia Sinica, Taiwan o Xin Liu, Institute for Infocomm Research, Singapore o Emiliano Lorini, IRIT, Toulouse, France o Tony T. Luo, Institute for Infocomm Research, Singapore o Stephen Marsh, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Canada o Tim Muller, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore o Yuko Murayama, Iwate Prefectural University, Japan o Nir Oren, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK o Jordi Sabater-Mir, IIIA-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain o Chris Snijders, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands o Thomas Tran, University of Ottawa, Canada --------------------------------------------------------------- Invited Talk Title: Computational Trust with Subjective Logic Speaker: Professor Audun Jøsang, University of Oslo, Norway He is co-author of one of the first trust modeling systems, BRS. --------------------------------------------------------------- Submission and Publication Authors should submit original papers (maximum length 12 single-columned pages) in PDF through the Easychair system: http://ntu.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=07e4000aa14279005e8843364&id=… Formal proceedings of the workshop will be published through CEUR-WS.org. CEUR.org is a green open-access publisher. Authors of papers published in the proceedings retain copyright of their material. To enable us to produce this publication, authors are expected to use the LaTeX template provided on the workshop website. http://ntu.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=07e4000aa14279005e8843364&id=… The most "visionary paper" will be published by Springer in a book under the Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence (LNAI) - Hot Topics series. The book will be a compilation of the most visionary papers of the AAMAS-2016 Workshops, where one paper will be selected from each AAMAS-2016 workshop. Additionally, the "best paper" will be published by Springer in a book under the Communications in Computer and Information Science (CCIS) series. The book will be a compilation of the best papers of the AAMAS-2016 Workshops, where one paper will be selected from each AAMAS-2016 workshop. Authors of the selected most visionary paper and the best paper are expected to provide their latex files promptly upon request. We also plan to invite some of the best papers from our workshop to be extended for a special issue in Journal of Trust Management (www.journaloftrustmanagement.com) ============================================== You are kindly recommended as researchers in the area of incentive and trust in e-communities. Unsubscribe comp-neuro(a)neuroinf.org from this list: http://ntu.us11.list-manage1.com/unsubscribe?u=07e4000aa14279005e8843364&id… Our mailing address is: NTU Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798 Shenyang, 21 110000 China Our telephone: Forward this email to a friend: http://us11.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=07e4000aa14279005e8843364&id=92… Update your profile: http://ntu.us11.list-manage.com/profile?u=07e4000aa14279005e8843364&id=73d1…

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PhD in Mathematical modelling of neuronal activity in the nucleus reuniens: a thalamic region contributing to mammalian cognitive processing.
by Tsaneva-Atanasova, Krasimira Dec. 4, 2015

Dec. 4, 2015

EPSRC funded PhD in Mathmatics: Mathematical modelling of neuronal activity in the nucleus reuniens: a thalamic region contributing to mammalian cognitive processing. Ref: 2047 About the award This project is one of a number which are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Partnership to commence in September, 2016. The studentships will provide funding for a stipend (currently £14,057 per annum for 2015/16), research costs of £3,000 and UK/EU tuition fees at Research Council rates for 3.5 years. Location: Streatham Campus, University of Exeter, EX4 4QJ Primary supervisor: Dr Ozgur Akman<http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/oea201> Secondary supervisors: Professor Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova (University of Exeter), Professor Andrew Randall (University of Exeter) The production of action potentials is a defining feature of the functional physiology of all excitable cells. Typically, only after firing a spike will a cell perform its task and, furthermore, the rate, timing and patterns of spike generation have important effects on the nature of the downstream events they trigger, for example neurotransmitter release. Hence, quantifying the characteristic features of action potential production in neurons is crucial in helping us to understand the normal functional physiology of nervous systems, as well as how these are altered during pathological conditions associated with disease. Based within the EPSRC Centre for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare, a £2M initiative bringing together mathematicians, statisticians and clinicians, you will work on a project aiming to develop in silico biophysical models of neural excitability in the mammalian nucleus reuniens (NRe). This area within the thalamus is receiving increased attention from neuroscientists, (including both the 2013 and 2014 Nobel Laureates in Physiology and Medicine; see Xu and Sudhoff (2013), Science 339, 1290-5 and Ito et al. (2015) Nature 522, 50-5). Through its robust connectivity to structures such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, this midline thalamic nucleus is involved in both spatial and cognitive processing. It is also a key site of pathology in Korsakoff’s syndrome (aka amnesic-confabulatory syndrome), a form of dementia. Recent ongoing work in the Randall lab at Exeter has generated a large body of novel electrophysiological data that details the core electrical excitability of neurons in the nucleus reuniens, in both normal adult animals and rodent disease models. These datasets are supported by additional biophysical characterisations of the gating of some of the key underpinning ion channels in NRe neurons. These experimental data will form the basis for the computational models that this project will generate, models that will probe the mechanisms that govern the physiological spiking and bursting dynamics of NRe cells. The ultimate goal is to both better understand normal physiological NRe function, and to identify possible interventional routes through which abnormal NRe activity observed in disease models can be normalised toward the neurophysiological signatures presented by healthy tissue. Mathematical analysis and numerical/computational techniques will be applied to study the behaviour of the system in normal and pathological conditions. The computational component of the project will include the use of multi-objective evolutionary algorithms to optimise the parameters of the model to data, and the use of bifurcation analysis software. Application Criteria Applicants should have or expect to achieve a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in Mathematics, Physics, Natural Sciences, Medicine or other numerate discipline. The closing date for applications if midnight on 4 January, 2016. Interviews will be held at the University of Exeter mid-late January, 2016. For further information, or an informal discussion about the position, please contact Dr Ozbur Akman, e-mail: O.E.Akman(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:O.E.Akman@exeter.ac.uk>. Summary Application deadline: 4th January 2016 Value: £14,057 per annum plus UK/EU fees for eligible students (2015-16 rates) Duration of award: per year Contact: Postgraduate Research Office emps-pgr-ad(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:emps-pgr-ad@exeter.ac.uk> How to apply Please visit www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/money/studentships/application/<http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/money/studentships/application/> and complete the online web form. You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload a full CV, covering letter and details of two academic referees. Your covering letter should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project. Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences University of Exeter Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QF, UK tel: +44 (0) 1392 723615 email: k.tsaneva-atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk> web: http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298 ALTEREGO - Enhancing Social Interaction with an AlterEgo artificial agent http://www.euromov.eu/alterego/homepage

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Master's degree fellowships in cognitive science at Ecole Normale Supérieure
by Reinoud Maex Dec. 4, 2015

Dec. 4, 2015

The Cognitive Science Departement of Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris (Département d'études cognitives, DEC) aims to recruit advanced undergraduate international students in Cognitive Science and in Linguistics. DEC and Ecole Normale Supérieure (http://www.ens.fr) offer several international fellowships, intended for advanced undergraduate students who will either directly enroll in a master's program (two-year or three-year fellowship) or first complete their last year of undergraduate studies and then enroll in a master's program (three-year fellowship). These fellowships will be attributed on the basis of a national competitive exam, known as the `ENS international selection.' For more details (including about eligibility), please visit: http://www.ens.fr/admission/selection-internationale/?lang=en The fellowships include: - monthly stipend: 1000 euros; - possibility of subsidized housing; - access to subsidized cafeteria (about 4 euros/meal); - minimal tuition fees (about 500 euros/year). How to Apply: More detailed information is available on line: - http://www.cognition.ens.fr/EnseignementFinancementENG - http://www.ens.fr/admission/selection-internationale/article/session-2016?l… Applications Deadline: 1-Feb-2016 Web Address for Applications: http://www1.ens.fr/recrutement-si/ Contact Information: Benjamin Spector benjamin.spector(a)ens.fr Benjamin SPECTOR Institut Jean-Nicod CNRS - EHESS - ENS Ecole Normale Supérieure Pavillon Jardin 29 rue d'Ulm 75005 Paris France Tel: (33) 1 44 32 26 62

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Interdisciplinary Neuroscience PhD program at George Mason University
by Avrama Blackwell Dec. 4, 2015

Dec. 4, 2015

Applicants with a theoretical/quantitative background particularly welcome! Deadline: January 4 We are seeking highly motivated and creative students for the Interdisciplinary PhD program in Neuroscience at George Mason University. This PhD program offers students the opportunity to apply their skills to challenging problems in brain research, while working with faculty with primary appointments in physics, molecular neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and bioinformatics / computational biology. The Theoretical and Computational track within the Neuroscience PhD program aims to train the next generation of neuroscientists with the broad range of computational and analytical skills that are essential to understand the organization and function of complex neural systems. Research approaches of the faculty range from the subcellular and molecular level to the systems and behavioral level. Some of the areas that students will contribute to include: Molecular profiling of drug effects in the brain, cellular signaling underlying memory, the relationship between dendritic morphology and neuronal activity, nonlinear dynamics of neurons and networks of neurons, and fMRI investigations of reasoning, attention and human performance. Applicants should submit the following materials (see http://neuroscience.gmu.edu/prospective/admissions for more information): 1. All undergraduate and graduate transcripts (originals, or attested or notarized copies); 2. GRE scores (use code 5827); 3. Three letters of recommendations; and 4. Goals Statement. Applications should be submitted by January 4 for Fall admission. The deadline is December 15 for degree holders from non-US institutions. Financial assistance is available at competitive levels through graduate research assistantships to outstanding candidates.

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PhD Position: Modelling Gait in People with Parkinson's Disease.
by Tsaneva-Atanasova, Krasimira Dec. 4, 2015

Dec. 4, 2015

EPSRC funded PhD in Modelling Gait in People with Parkinsons Disease. Location: Streatham Campus, University of Exeter, EX4 4QJ Primary supervisor: Prof Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova<http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298> Secondary supervisors: Dr Mark Wilson (University of Exeter), Dr Victoria Goodwin (University of Exeter) Based within the EPSRC Centre for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare, a £2M initiative bringing together mathematicians, statisticians and clinicians, you will work on a project aiming to develop a data-driven mathematical modeling framework in order to study gait impairments in patients with Parkinson’s. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition that mainly affects people of 50 and over. One person in every 500 has Parkinson's, which equates to about 127,000 people in the UK. There's currently no cure, and the range of symptoms and how quickly they progress are different for everyone. The main symptoms of Parkinson's are tremor, rigidity and slowness of movement. Despite optimal medication therapy, many people with Parkinson’s still experience gait impairments. Gait impairments (e.g., freezing of gait) are associated with falls and fear of falling, and reduced quality of life. This studentship aims to further our understanding of the degenerative nature of the disease by taking a dynamical systems approach to modelling the coordination of locomotion (gait) from an individual perspective. While many studies have examined discrete gait measures (e.g. step length) it is likely that several gait malfunctions will interact and incur a simultaneous deterioration of stepping. A dynamical systems approach is particularly useful in predicting when and if this deterioration may cross a critical threshold; for example, triggering a freeze or a stumble. The first stage of this project will be to develop a model based on gait data we have already collected from 18 people with Parkinson’s. The second stage would be to collect additional data to test model’s predictions and refine and improve the model. This project is one of a number which are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Partnership to commence in September 2016. The studentships will provide funding for a stipend (currently £14,057 per annum for 2015/16), research costs of £3,000 and UK/EU tuition fees at Research Council rates for 3.5 years. Application Criteria Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in Maths, Physics, Medicine, Natural Sciences or other numerate discipline. The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 4 January 2016. Interview will be held at the University of Exeter is mid-late January 2016. For further information, or informal discussion about the position, please contact Prof Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova, e-mail: K.Tsaneva-Atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:K.Tsaneva-Atanasova@exeter.ac.uk>. Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences University of Exeter Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QF, UK tel: +44 (0) 1392 723615 email: k.tsaneva-atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk> web: http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298 ALTEREGO - Enhancing Social Interaction with an AlterEgo artificial agent http://www.euromov.eu/alterego/homepage

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Postdoc position in Phone/wearable based diagnostics
by Konrad Kording Dec. 3, 2015

Dec. 3, 2015

A postdoc position to apply machine learning to use data from phones and wearables to make clinical progress is available in collaboration between Konrad Kording and Arun Jayaraman. Learn machine learning. Capture clinical knowledge. The position is supported by NIH and NIDRR and is at the rehabilitation institute of chicago/ Northwestern University in downtown Chicago. A successful candidate should have a real interest in clinical problems while also having computational skills. The candidate will be expected to use state of the art machine learning algorithms while developing interesting analyses. The candidate will also shape clinical decision making and conceptually help structuring the research. A certain level of independence is highly encouraged. Interested individuals should send a c.v. and the names of three references to Dr. Konrad Kording ( kk(a)northwestern.edu) The position is available immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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Postdoctoral openings in modeling, analysis of brain network dynamics
by ShiNung Ching Dec. 3, 2015

Dec. 3, 2015

Postdoctoral positions are available in the Brain Dynamics and Control Group at Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO, USA), in two areas of interest: (i) Modeling macro-scale network dynamics in states of reduced arousal, including coma. The research goals include developing tractable dynamical systems models for network dynamics associated with severe brain injuries resulting in coma. The developed models will be analyzed in order to study mechanisms and their link to behavior. This position, which carries an affiliation with the Department of Neurology at the Washington University School of Medicine, will involve close collaboration with clinical researchers and will require analysis of multimodal neural data. (ii) Relating systems-theoretic properties to information processing in neural circuits. The goals include reconciling systems-level properties (reachability, controllability etc.) with overt information objectives in dynamical neuronal network models, and to explore the conservation of these network input-output relationships across scales. Candidates should have a background in some combination of dynamical systems theory, network science or systems science/control engineering. Prior experience in clinical research and basic neural data analysis is a substantial asset. Positions are for two years, with review after Year 1. Interested applicants should send a CV and brief description of interests and goals to ShiNung Ching (shinung(a)wustl.edu) ideally by January 5, 2016. The starting date is flexible, but the position is expected to begin no later that the Summer of 2016. Salary will be determined according to experience and the institutional scale at Washington University in St. Louis. For more information, please visit: http://braindynamics.engineering.wustl.edu

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Workshop announcement: HBP CodeJam
by Andrew Davison Dec. 3, 2015

Dec. 3, 2015

================================ HBP CodeJam Workshop #7 11th-14th January 2016, Manchester, UK ================================ You are cordially invited to join us at the 7th CodeJam workshop, sponsored this year by the Human Brain Project. http://neuralensemble.org/meetings/CodeJam7/ The goal of the CodeJam workshops is to catalyze open-source, collaborative software development in computational and systems neuroscience and neuroinformatics, by bringing together researchers, students and engineers to share ideas, present their work, and write code together. Mornings will be dedicated to invited and contributed talks, leaving the afternoons free for discussions, tutorials and code sprints. If you would like to give a lightning talk or have an idea for a code sprint, please let us know when you register. The CodeJam is open to all scientists, engineers and students who use or write software as part of their neuroscience research. Confirmed speakers include Michael Hines (NEURON simulation environment), Eilif Muller (Blue Brain Project), Matteo Cantarelli (OpenWorm), Catherine Zwahlen (Human Brain Project), Padraig Gleeson (NeuroML and OpenSourceBrain) and David Lester (SpiNNaker). Registration is open until 16th December at http://neuralensemble.org/meetings/CodeJam7/ and is limited to 50 participants. The meeting will take place at Shrigley Hall Hotel, a 19th Century four-star country house hotel in Cheshire, UK, close to Manchester International Airport and perfectly located for exploring the Peak District. Andrew Davison (CNRS) David Lester (University of Manchester) Eilif Muller (EPFL) Abigail Morrison (Forschungszentrum Jülich) Jeffrey Muller (EPFL)

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Postdoctoral Position at The Rockefeller University
by George Reeke Dec. 2, 2015

Dec. 2, 2015

Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience A postdoctoral position supported by the BRAIN initiative is available at The Rockefeller University under the guidance of George Reeke in collaboration with Charles Gilbert and Winrich Freiwald. The overall project will study cortical mechanisms of object recognition and more specifically the influence of top-down task-and attentional influences on cortical dynamics and perceptual learning in areas of the visual cortical pathway. The computational work will involve developing and running large-scale spiking models of cortical regions studied in the overall project, with the goal of developing an accurate theoretical understanding of the phenomena observed in the experimental research. The successful candidate should, ideally, have a Ph.D. in a relevant area of neuroscience with a strong knowledge of mammalian visual systems and neuronal systems modeling. The candidate will be expected to develop suitable software to supplement the available tools as needed and will be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Interested individuals should send a c.v. and the names of three references to Dr. George Reeke (reeke(a)rockefeller.edu) with a subject line "Computational Neuroscience postdoc position". The position is available immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The Rockefeller University is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans.

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Tenure Track position in Computational Neuroscience, NIDA-IRP
by Brian Sadacca Dec. 2, 2015

Dec. 2, 2015

*Tenure-Track, Tenure-Eligible Investigator in **Computational Modeling, * *National Institute on Drug Abuse - Intramural Research Program* *Baltimore, MD * *(Review of Applications Begins: December 28)* The Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is seeking an outstanding tenure-eligible or tenure-track scientist to develop a research program to use computational models and other tools (e.g. human functional imaging) to complement and expand existing research programs at the NIDA IRP. The successful candidate must possess a doctoral degree in neuroscience, physiology, economics or another relevant field with additional training and emphasis on computational neuroscience, learning and decision-making. Expertise in computational modeling and state of the art imaging techniques and a strong publication record highlighting his/her contributions to elucidating the computational mechanisms underlying brain systems involved in reward learning, cognitive control and decision making is highly desirable. Preference will be given to those with interest in applying computational models to the study of the neurobiology of addiction. In view of the required integrative approach, the successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with other research groups within NIDA - a proven ability to establish and sustain collaborative work is desired. Candidates must submit a CV, a statement of proposed research objectives and goals (3 pages or less), and contact information for 3 potential references to: Joshua Kysiak, Intramural Program Specialist, NIDA IRP, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Suite 200, Room 04A314, Baltimore, Maryland 21224. Telephone 443-740-2465, FAX 443-740-2865, Email: kysiakjo(a)nida.nih.gov <https://mail.nih.gov/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=1n7m_YTJ84moYRtNCS2AiK5V49da0Ff6C4…>. Review of applications will begin on or about December 28, 2015, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. DHHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers.

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CFP: SCIS&ISIS 2016, Hokkaido, Japan, August 25-28, 2016
by Yusuke NOJIMA Dec. 2, 2015

Dec. 2, 2015

<Apologies for multiple postings> =================================================== SCIS&ISIS 2016 Call for Papers and OS Proposals =================================================== Joint 8th Int. Conf. on Soft Computing and Intelligent Systems ＆ 17th Int. Symp. on Advanced Intelligent Systems August 25-28, 2016, Sapporo, Japan http://scis2016.j-soft.org =================================================== Dear colleagues, On behalf of the organizing committee, we would like to announce Joint 8th International Conference on Soft Computing and Intelligent Systems and 17th International Symposium on Advanced Intelligent Systems (SCIS&ISIS 2016) to be held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan on August 25-28, 2016. SICS&ISIS 2016 is the flagship international conference of Soft Computing in Asia, that attracts several hundred participants all over the world. We strive to foster an open and lively scientific forum by bringing together researchers, engineers and practitioners with diversified backgrounds to discuss and disseminate the latest state-of-the-art achievements, thought provoking challenges and potential future directions in many different aspects. Conference webpage: http://scis2016.j-soft.org < Call for Papers > We would like to cordially invite you to submit your papers to SCIS&ISIS 2016. There are two categories: full paper submissions (4-6 pages) and short paper submissions (2-4 pages) in IEEE style. < Call for Organized Session Proposals > We would also like to invite you to submit your organized session proposals. Interested organizers should prepare a proposal which includes: 1. Session title. 2. Organizer(s) (name, affiliation and E-mail address). 3. List of at least three (3) papers (tentative titles and their authors). 4. Presentation mode: oral or poster. Please send it to scisisis2016+OS(a)gmail.com. < Important Dates > Organized Session Proposal: December 15, 2015 Paper Submission: February 15, 2016 Notification of Acceptance: May 1, 2016 Conference: August 25-28, 2016 For general inquiries regarding the conference, please contact the general affairs. SCIS&ISIS2016 General Affairs: scisisis2016+info(a)gmail.com

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Ph.D. and Master positions in theoretical neuroscience at the MPI for Brain Research
by Tatjana Tchumatchenko Dec. 2, 2015

Dec. 2, 2015

Ph.D. and Master positions in theoretical neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research We are seeking undergraduate students interested in writing a Master thesis and have open positions for Ph.D. Students to join our group "Theory of neural dynamics" at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research lead by Dr. Tatjana Tchumatchenko. Our group studies how networks of neurons encode and decode sensory stimuli and how these functions are related to computations that underlie cognitive functions and behavior. We develop models to address linear and non-linear properties of neuronal networks and have ongoing collaborations with experimental labs where we analyze in vitro as well as in vivo data and develop appropriate models to explain the observed phenomena. Successful applicants should have a strong background in a quantitative field such as physics, mathematics or computer science and should be interested in an interdisciplinary exchange with other disciplines such as biology or medicine. Life science majors interested in quantitative modeling work are also encouraged to apply, particularly if they would like to combine experiments and theory in their Master or Ph.D. thesis work. We are looking for candidates with strong English skills and prior programming experience. In order to make teamwork in our group enjoyable and fun, the ideal candidate should have a strong work ethic and have demonstrated consistent self-motivation skills. Female students are particularly encouraged to apply. Prospective students should apply by sending an email to theoryneuraldynamics(a)gmail.com which includes * a letter of motivation, * CV, * and a copy of the current academic transcripts To make your motivation letter easier to write for you and more informative for us, please check the list of questions to be answered in your motivation letter at http://www.tchumatchenko.de/Opportunities.html Let me note, that our institute is hosting the IMPRS graduate school "Neural circuits". It's open call for applications can be found here: http://brain.mpg.de/graduate-studies/call.html Looking forward to your applications! Tatjana Tchumatchenko -- Dr. Tatjana Tchumatchenko Research group leader Theory of Neural Dynamics Max Planck Institute for Brain Research Max-von-Laue-Str 4 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany www.tchumatchenko.de

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Update 3: 2016 IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence (IEEE WCCI 2016)
by IEEE WCCI 2016 Dec. 2, 2015

Dec. 2, 2015

Dear Colleague, Greetings from IEEE WCCI 2016! Below please find some updated information about 2016 IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence (IEEE WCCI 2016), which is financially sponsored by the IEEE Computational Intelligence Society (CIS), and jointly sponsored by the International Neural Network Society (INNS), the Evolutionary Programming Society (EPS), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). 2016 IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, Canada 25-29 July 2016 www.wcci2016.org *-----------------------~*******~------------------------* * Paper Submission Deadline: 15 January 2016* *-----------------------~*******~------------------------* IEEE WCCI 2016 paper submission is now OPEN. Please submit your papers through the IEEE WCCI 2016 online paper submission system at: http://www.wcci2016.org/submission.php *------~*******~------* * Tutorial Speakers* *------~*******~------* - Meta-heuristics for Multi-objective Optimization - By Carlos Coello - Applying Evolutionary Computation in Industrial Practice - By Erik D. Goodman - Automatic Algorithm Configuration: Methods, Applications, and Perspectives - By Thomas Stützle - Advances in Particle Swarm Optimization - By Andries Engelbrecht - Search Based Software Engineering: Foundations, Recent Advances, Challenges and Future Research Directions - By Marouane Kessentini - Data Stream Mining - By Leszek Rutkowski - Spiking Neural Networks: The Machine Learning Approach - By Nathan Scott and Nikola Kasabov - Learning from Unstructured Data Streams in Cybersecurity - By Seiichi Ozawa - Learning in Non-Stationary Environments - By Cesare Alippi and Manuel Roveri - Physics of the Mind - By Leonid I. Perlovsky - Passive and Active Control for a Lower-limb Rehabilitation Robot - By Zeng-Guang Hou - Big Data: Technologies and Computational Intelligence Approaches - By Isaac Triguero and Francisco Herrera - Fuzzy Logic and Machine Learning: A Tutorial - By Hamid Tizhoosh - Type-2 Fuzzy Ontology and Fuzzy Markup Language for Real-World Applications - By Chang-Shing Lee - A Sum-of-Squares Framework for Fuzzy Systems Modeling and Control: Beyond Linear Matrix Inequalities - By Kazuo Tanaka - Tutorial on Type-2 Fuzzy Sets and Systems - By Christian Wagner, Jon Garibaldi and Robert John More tutorials will be announced soon. For more information, please visit: http://wcci2016.org/programs.php?id=tutorial?sd=t_info *---~*******~---* * Workshops* *---~*******~---* IEEE WCCI 2016 is pleased to confirm the following Workshops: - “Computational Energy Management in Smart Grids” - Organized by Stefano Squartini, Derong Liu, Francesco Piazza, Dongbin Zhao and Haibo He - “Neuromorphic Computing and Cyborg Intelligence” - Organized by Huajin Tang, Gang Pan, Arindam Basu and Luping Shi For more information about the workshops, please visit: http://wcci2016.org/programs.php?id=workshop?sd=w_ijcnn *------~****~------* * Panel Sessions* *------~****~------* IEEE WCCI 2016 is pleased to confirm a Panel Session on “How to Publish Your Research Papers in IEEE CIS Transactions?” Members of the panel session include, - Derong Liu: Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems - Chin-Teng Lin: Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems - Kay Chen Tan: Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Transactions on Evolutionary Computation - Graham Kendall: Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Transactions on Computational Intelligence and AI in Games - Angelo Cangelosi: Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Transactions on Autonomous Mental Development - Hisao Ishibuchi: Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Computational Intelligence Magazine - David B. Fogel: Editor-in-Chief, IEEE CIS Book Series - Jacek M. Zurada: IEEE Life Fellow, Past IEEE VP-Technical Activities - Witold Pedrycz: IEEE Fellow - Nikhil R. Pal (Moderator): IEEE CIS Vice-President for Publications *-------------~****~----------------* * Sponsorship Opportunities* *-------------~****~----------------* We invite you to be a sponsor of the IEEE WCCI 2016, and thus play an essential role for the success of the flagship event of the IEEE Computational Intelligence Society in 2016. A rich scientific program that covers all the areas of computational intelligence - tutorials by leading researchers in the field, a number of specialized workshops, exhibition of products, companies and research centers - will make IEEE WCCI 2016 one of the most influential conferences in the field of computational intelligence and a key scientific and technological event in IT. There are different ways you may provide support to IEEE WCCI 2016. For further information, please contact: wcci2016(a)gmail.com or visit: http://www.wcci2016.org/sponsors.php *-----------~****~--------------* * Exhibits Opportunities* *-----------~****~--------------* The IEEE WCCI 2016 cordially invites industry representatives and publishers to showcase innovative technologies in the area of computational intelligence at the IEEE WCCI 2016 and support the Congress with your active participation. The IEEE WCCI 2016 exhibits program is an opportunity for your organization to showcase its offerings to the broadest professional community of Computational Intelligence (CI) practitioners and researchers. The Congress is advertised extensively through international promotion activities that include: the Congress and other websites, electronic and printed announcement brochures, scientific and technical journals and magazines, professional and other networks. Your participation in this prestigious event will be very beneficial to the delegates attending and to bring your business focuses at an international level. For further information, please contact: wcci2016(a)gmail.com or visit: http://www.wcci2016.org/sponsors.php *-------------------------~*******~-------------------------* * Special Sessions Proposal by 15 November 2015* *-------------------------~*******~-------------------------* Special session proposals are invited to the IEEE WCCI 2016. The special session proposals submission deadline is 15 November 2015. Special session proposals should include the title, aim and scope (including a list of main topics), and the names of the organizers of the special session, together with a short biography of all organizers. For more information about provisionally accepted IEEE WCCI 2016 special sessions, please visit: http://www.wcci2016.org/spsessions.php *--------~****~--------* * Important Dates* *--------~****~--------* - Special Session & Workshop Proposals Deadline: 15 November 2015 - Competition & Tutorial Proposals Deadline: 15 December 2015 - *Paper Submission Deadline: 15 January 2016* - Paper Acceptance Notification Date: 15 March 2016 - Final Paper Submission & Early Registration Deadline: 15 April 2016 - IEEE WCCI 2016: 25-29 July 2016 *For more information on the Congress, please visit: www.wcci2016.org <http://www.wcci2016.org>* *Alternatively we can also be reached on the following social media platforms,* - https://www.facebook.com/wcci2016 - https://twitter.com/wcci2016 - http://www.weibo.com/wcci2016 - http://t.qq.com/wcci2016 We look forward to welcoming you in Vancouver next year! Best wishes, Kay Chen Tan and Gary G. Yen 2016 IEEE WCCI General Co-Chairs

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IEEE Transactions on Haptics: Special Issue on Haptics in Neuroscience
by Sliman Bensmaia Dec. 1, 2015

Dec. 1, 2015

This special issue calls for papers related to the study of the neural basis of haptic perception and to technologies designed for haptic interaction. In particular, topics will include: • The psychophysics of touch and its physiological basis in the peripheral and central nervous systems • Computational models of the skin, the peripheral nerve, and/or central processing of somatosensory information • Approaches to convey somatosensory feedback through neural interfaces • Haptic devices that generate well-controlled tactile and kinesthetic stimuli for use in psychophysical, neuroimaging and neurophysiological studies • Devices and experimental studies that measure the skin response during haptic interactions • Haptic interfaces, sensors and devices that are inspired by the biology of touch Timeline December 31, 2015 Deadline for paper submissions February 1, 2016 First decisions to authors May 1, 2016 Second decisions to authors August 1, 2016 Final publication materials due from authors November 1, 2016 Special issue publication Submission Process Visit http://www.computer.org/toh to view formatting requirements, and submit your paper at https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/th-cs. When uploading your paper please select the appropriate special issue under the category “Manuscript Type.” Guest Editors Dr. Sliman Bensmaia, University of Chicago (sliman(a)uchicago.edu) Dr. Ingvars Birznieks, University of New South Wales, (i.birznieks(a)unsw.edu.au) Dr. Gregory Gerling, University of Virginia (gg7h(a)virginia.edu) Dr. Fabrizio Sergi, University of Delaware (fabs(a)udel.edu) -- ________________________________________________________ Sliman Bensmaia Associate Professor Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy University of Chicago 773.834.5203 http://bensmaialab.org ________________________________________________________

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Multiple Faculty Positions: The Malleable Nervous System: From Molecule to Circuit to Behavior
by Aaron Seitz Dec. 1, 2015

Dec. 1, 2015

The University of California at Riverside (UCR) is embarking on a major new hiring initiative that will add 300 tenure-track positions in 33 cross-disciplinary areas selected through a peer-reviewed competition (clusterhiring.ucr.edu) Over the next three years, UCR will hire multiple faculty members in each area and invest in research infrastructure to support their work. This initiative will build critical mass in vital and emerging fields of scholarship, foster truly cross-disciplinary work and further diversify the faculty at one of America¹s most diverse research universities. In a major Neuroscience initiative, we seek to hire up to 8 tenure-track or tenured faculty members as part of a cross campus multi-disciplinary effort to study the nervous system (from development, to function, to aging, degeneration and repair). We seek researchers that collectively span multi-disciplinary levels of investigation (molecular mechanisms to circuit analysis to complex behaviors) using state of the art techniques (molecular, optogenetics, behavioral, educational, computational, imaging, genetic and research of clinical populations) applied to experimental model systems of health, injury and disease (invertebrate, vertebrate or human systems). Our goal is to recruit a team of collaborative individuals with an outstanding record, committed to excellence in research, that complement existing campus strengths. Applicants for tenured positions should also demonstrate notable scientific contributions and sustained extramural support. Successful candidates must also have clear potential or demonstrated ability to work successfully with and benefit a diverse student body. UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification. Depending on research focus, training background and career achievements, successful candidates will be appointed at the rank of assistant, associate or full professor within College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Bourns College of Engineering, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Graduate School of Education or the School of Medicine. To foster development of collaborative research across hiring units, the successful candidates will participate in a campus wide seminar program and annual research retreat. Particular strengths on the campus pertinent to this recruitment include sensory processing, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, glial-neuronal interactions, cognitive neurotherapeutics, functional imaging, assessment and interventions of clinical populations, child development, circuits, neurobiology and endocrinology of behavior. Successful candidates will be also expected to contribute to teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels depending upon the college/department to which the candidate is assigned. Advancement through the faculty ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input. The University of California, Riverside is centrally located within the Southern California area and situated in an historic citrus growing area surrounded by mountain ranges. Riverside is an hour away from ski slopes, surfing, or hiking in mountain wilderness or desert environments, and housing in the area is very affordable. The campus is located in close proximity to a host of high profile universities, research institutes, and biotech industries in Southern California. Applicants must hold a Ph.D., M.D., Pharm D., or equivalent degree and qualify for a tenure track or tenured faculty appointment at the University of California. Applications will be reviewed beginning January 1st and the positions will remain open until filled. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability; protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from scholars committed to excellence and seeking to help redefine the research university for the next generation. To Apply: Please submit the following items electronically through the APRecruit system: Cover Letter, Curriculum vitae, statement of research accomplishments and goals, statement of teaching expertise. Choose the appropriate link based on qualifications Assistant Professor - https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF00498 Associate/Full Professor - https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF00490

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Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience at Indiana University
by Izquierdo, Eduardo J. Dec. 1, 2015

Dec. 1, 2015

Dear all, We are happy to announce that we are in the process of hiring a postdoctoral scientist interested in developing and analyzing integrated neuromechanical models of behavior at Indiana University. We would greatly appreciate it if you could forward the attached ad to anyone who might be interested. Sincerely, Eduardo J. Izquierdo Randall D. Beer Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington Applications are invited for a post-doctoral in Computational Neuroscience. The position will be available in Spring 2016, but the starting date is flexible. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. The successful candidate will be working with Professors Eduardo Izquierdo and Randall Beer to construct and analyze integrated neuromechanical models of behavior in the nematode worm C. elegans. The ideal candidate will have completed their doctoral studies, and should have expertise in modeling and computational neuroscience. Experience in parameter optimization algorithms, dynamical systems theory, and information theory would be preferred but not necessary. Strongest consideration will be given to applications received before December 31, 2015; however, applications will be considered until the position is filled. Interested candidates should review the application requirements and submit their applications at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/1962. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Professors Eduardo Izquierdo or Randall Beer at Cognitive Science Program, Indiana University, 1900 East 10th St., 819 Eigenmann, Bloomington, Indiana 47406-7512 or, by email, edizquie(a)indiana.edu<mailto:edizquie@indiana.edu> or rdbeer(a)indiana.edu<mailto:rdbeer@indiana.edu>. Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Applications from women and minority group members are especially encouraged.

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Neuron-Glia meeting at the EITN / December 10-11, 2015
by EITN Dec. 1, 2015

Dec. 1, 2015

<http://eitnconf-101215.sciencesconf.org/registration/index> <http://eitnconf-101215.sciencesconf.org/registration/index> -- The EITN Team 74 rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine 75012 Paris, France Phone # : +33 (0)1 53 46 27 03 Fax # : +33 (0)1 53 46 25 02 http://www.eitn.org https://twitter.com/EITN_Paris

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Research Scientist and Intern Positions in Brain-Inspired Computing at IBM Research - Almaden
by John Arthur Nov. 30, 2015

Nov. 30, 2015

IBM's Brain-Inspired Computing team at IBM Research - Almaden has built a first-of-a-kind modular, scalable, non-von Neumann, ultra-low power, cognitive computing architecture (TrueNorth) and associated end-to-end software ecosystem. We are building state-of-the-art digital spiking neuromorphic chips and systems (large-scale and mobile) to solve real-time sensory problems. We seek team members with varied backgrounds and experiences for positions in software engineering, systems design, chip design, algorithm/application development, theoretical understanding and education/training. http://modha.org To receive full consideration, please apply using the link below to ensure your resume/CV will be directed to the appropriate hiring manager. Research Scientist: http://krb-sjobs.brassring.com/TGWebHost/jobdetails.aspx?partnerid=26059&si… Research Intern: http://krb-sjobs.brassring.com/TGWebHost/jobdetails.aspx?partnerid=26059&si…

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POSTDOCTORAL GRANT - DATA SCIENCE FOR THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
by Carlos Ferreira Nov. 30, 2015

Nov. 30, 2015

- PLEASE CIRCULATE --- POSTDOCTORAL GRANT - DATA SCIENCE FOR THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY INESC TEC (Porto / Portugal) is accepting applications to award 1 Postdoctoral Grant witjhin the Project "INESC TEC - EEA/50014", in the following work area: Data science for the oil industry. Academic Qualifications: PhD in computer science / data science or alike. Minimum Profile required: Very good to excellent writing skills in English; Good communication skills; Very good knowledge of data science / data mining; Willingness to put data science into practice. Preference factors: Very good to excellent writing skills in Portuguese; Knowledge of the oil industry; Experience of data mining with big data. Reference: AE2015-0182 (INESC TEC LA - LIAAD) Project Name: INESC TEC - EEA/5001 Reference Monthly Value: EUR 1495,00 Application Period: 2015-12-09 to 2015-12-22 More info: http://www.inesctec.pt/ip-en/work-with-us/bolsas-inescporto/concurso-para-a… Carlos Ferreira [http://www2.isep.ipp.pt/assinatura_email/EMAIL_ISEP.png] ISEP | Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431 4249-015 Porto - PORTUGAL tel. +351 228 340 500 | fax +351 228 321 159 mail(a)isep.ipp.pt | www.isep.ipp.pt<http://www.isep.ipp.pt>

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NICE Workshop registration and abstract submission
by Aimone, James Bradley Nov. 30, 2015

Nov. 30, 2015

2016 Neuro-Inspired Computational Elements Workshop March 7, 2016-March 9, 2016 Berkeley, CA Registration and abstract submission open http://neuroscience.berkeley.edu/2016-neuro-inspired-computational-elements… About the meeting Neuro-inspired Computational Elements (NICE) workshops have been held for the last three years, bringing the very wide ranging scientific disciplines (neuroscience: imaging, theory, algorithms), hardware and applications communities looking for a common ground to accelerate the development of next generation of computing approaches. The key outcome will be the further clarification of the value proposition for neuro-inspired/neuromorphic computing: why and how could these systems deliver the performance and efficiency we seek beyond conventional computing approaches? The concurrent task for the workshop is to identify pathways for building and accelerating the evaluation and development of such systems. Speakers include: Steve Zornetzer (NASA Ames) Steve Furber (University of Manchester) Winfield Wilcke (IBM) Wolfgang Maas (Technishe Universitat Graz) Michael Schmucker (University of Sussex) David Kirk (NVidia) Giacomo Indiveri (University of Zurich) Bruce Hendrickson (Sandia National Laboratories) Alice Parker (USC) Dharmendra Modha (IBM) To Register Please click on the following registration page link https://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1749241 If you are interested in presenting at the workshop, we ask that you submit an extended abstract (1 page max pdf) during registration. There is an opportunity to upload your abstract at the bottom of the "personal information" page. After your information is entered you will be asked to pay. The 3 day event costs $275.00 per person, plus processing fees. -------------------------- James Bradley Aimone, Ph.D. Principal Member of Technical Staff Data-driven and Neural Computing Department Sandia National Laboratories Phone: (505) 284-3147 Fax: (505) 844-4728

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Researcher and Engineer positions at ATR Brain Labs., Kyoto, Japan
by KANEMURA Atsunori Nov. 28, 2015

Nov. 28, 2015

Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR), Kyoto, Japan, has openings for researcher and research engineer positions and invite applications from people with strong motivations and ambitions in the research project described below. We will study how to analyze multi-modal sensor measurements to create "artificial intelligence with consciousness" by installing a "consciousness module" to man-made information-processing systems. In particular, we will develop and implement machine-learning techniques for attention, which dynamically processes data stream to find where to focus and intensively analyze and picks up information essential for decision-making. Our attention module will be developed for video, audio, and bio signals. Our project is in close collaboration with neuroscientists led by Dr. Ryota Kanai (CEO & Chief Scientist, ARAYA Brain Imaging, Tokyo, Japan). PIs and co-PIs in the project are Dr. Ryota Kanai (ARAYA), Prof. Naotsugu Tsuchiya (Monash University, Australia), Dr. Masafumi Oizumi (RIKEN, Japan), Dr. Motoaki Kawanabe (ATR), and Prof. Takuya Maekawa (Osaka University, Japan). We look forward to your applications and recommendations. Motoaki Kawanabe, Ph.D. Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR), Kyoto, Japan = Requirements for Researchers = Applicants must: - have a Ph.D. (or be near completion). - have strong motivations and ambitions to take part in the research above. Successful candidates will have interest in neural and cognitive science with expertise in one or more of the following areas are welcomed: - Machine learning, pattern recognition, signal processing, computer vision, robotics, bio-medical engineering. = Requirements for Research Engineers = Applicants must have strong motivations and ambitions to take part in the research above mainly from program development, data analysis, and experimental support. = Number of openings = A few = Employment conditions = Position : Full-time Researcher / Full-time Research Engineer Tenure : Single year based contract, renewable based on evaluation Treatment: Based on individual performance Work Location: Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) 2-2-2 Hikaridai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0288, Japan = Application materials = Please submit the following five materials to the contact address below, either in printed or electronic form: 1. CV 2. List of publications 3. Reprints of 1-3 major publications (applicants for Researchers) or summary of past projects 4. Essay (up to two pages in A4 or letter size) describing: - Summary of your previous research and/or development - Interests for research - Additional research skills not directly foreseeable from 1 or 2 5. Recommendation letters from more than two researchers * If submitted in printed form, original documents will not be returned. = Judging system = After documentary examination, we ask for presentation and interview if needed = Starting date = Soon (negotiable) = Deadline for application = Opens until positions are filled. = Contact = Department of Dynamic Brain Imaging ATR Cognitive Mechanisms Laboratories (Application for Researcher Position) 2-2-2 Hikaridai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0288, Japan Email: dbi-cma(a)atr.jp = Use of personal data = All personal data received will be properly managed and only be used for the purpose of recruitment. -- KANEMURA Atsunori, Ph.D. Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR), Kyoto, Japan

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lecturer/senior lecturer in cognitive neuroscience at UCL
by Burgess, Neil Nov. 26, 2015

Nov. 26, 2015

The UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience is looking to recruit a Lecturer/Senior lecturer in Cognitive Neuroscience (roughly equivalent to assistant/associate professor). For details please see: http://tinyurl.com/nweqtr2 Best wishes Neil

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MURI Winter School Jan. 6-8, 2016 **Registration NOW OPEN**
by Santamaria, Cookie Nov. 24, 2015

Nov. 24, 2015

UC San Diego and The University of Chicago Present: MURI WINTER SCHOOL 2016<http://biocircuits.ucsd.edu/special/winterschool2016/> Dynamics of Multifunction Brain Networks: Sequences and Syntax Organizers: Timothy Gentner (UCSD), Howard Nusbaum (Univ. Chicago), and Mikhail Rabinovich (UCSD) 15th Floor, Building 1, Village West, UC San Diego<http://maps.ucsd.edu/mapping/viewer/default.htm?mkey=1&lc=open&km=open&rc=c…> January 6-8, 2016 Registration<http://goo.gl/forms/9vvf6jTjpx> Deadline: Friday, December 11, 2015 Abstract Submission<http://goo.gl/forms/a8domGTGIF> Deadline: Friday, December 4, 2015 Lecturers: Dean Buonomano<https://www.neurobio.ucla.edu/~dbuono/> (UCLA) - "Telling time with neural dynamics" Edward Chang<http://changlab.ucsf.edu/> (UC San Francisco) - "Human auditory cortex functional organization in speech processing" and "A basic overview of high-order auditory speech processing in humans" Christopher Conway<http://sites.gsu.edu/neurolearnlab/> (Georgia State University) - "Structured sequence processing: Underlying principles, mechanisms, and constraints" and "The role of sequence processing and prediction in typical and atypical language development" T. Florian Jaeger<https://www.hlp.rochester.edu/> (University of Rochester) - "Sequence learning and language evolution Part I: Qualifying behavioral complexity" and "Sequence learning and language evolution Part II: Networks and dynamics in the primate brain" Chris Petkov<https://www.staff.ncl.ac.uk/chris.petkov/> (Newcastle University) - "Human auditory cortex functional organization in speech processing" and "A basic overview of high-order auditory speech processing in humans" Nicholas Turk-Browne<http://ntblab.princeton.edu/> (Princeton University) - "Sequential learning in the mind and brain" and "Extraction of temporal regularities by the medial temporal lobe" ________________________________________________________________________________ This is the fourth annual Winter School sponsored by the U.S. Office of Naval Research as part of its UCSD/ Chicago MURI program in Dynamics of Multifunction Brain Networks. This year's School presents a series of pedagogical and research oriented talks on the behavioral, neurobiological, and computational principles that underlie sequence and syntactic processes in human and non-human animals. It includes a series of educational presentations and a poster session. The School is intended for all researchers, including advanced graduate students, interested in the general area of understanding functional nervous systems. Active participation during the School's lectures is strongly encouraged. All attendees are invited to submit abstracts for poster presentations. Selected contributed posters will be highlighted in an oral session. Registration is required for attendance, but there is no fee for attending. A limited number of travel awards are available for exceptionally qualified graduate students and postdocs, who should apply to and have their supervisor send a letter of reference to muri.winter.school(a)gmail.com<mailto:muri.winter.school@gmail.com>. Please visit us online to register<http://goo.gl/forms/9vvf6jTjpx> and for details regarding the schedule and poster abstract submission: http://biocircuits.ucsd.edu/special/winterschool2016/

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postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience in Barcelona
by Alex Roxin Nov. 24, 2015

Nov. 24, 2015

The Computational Neuroscience Group at the Centre de Recerca Matemàtica in Barcelona, Spain is looking for applicants for a postdoctoral position. Applicants will apply through a call from the Barcelona Graduate Schoool of Mathematics, which is now open. The deadline for application is the 15th of January 2016. There are a total of four positions in all areas of mathematics and as such this call will be highly competitive. Candidates with a very strong mathematics background and interest in computational neuroscience are encouraged to apply. No previous neuroscience experience is required. To apply please go to http://www.bgsmath.cat/postdoc-call-nov-2015/ If you have any questions regarding the Computational Neuroscience Group at the CRM, please contact Alex Roxin at aroxin(a)crm.cat. Alex Roxin Computational Neuroscience Group Centre de Recerca Matemàtica Campus de Bellaterra, Edifici C 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona) Spain +34-935-868-508 aroxin(a)crm.cat https://sites.google.com/site/alexanderroxin/home

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Postdoc position in neural engineering for a system designer to design, implement, and test a novel noninvasive neural recording system (CMU, Pittsburgh)
by Pulkit Grover Nov. 24, 2015

Nov. 24, 2015

A team of three engineers (Grover, Weldon, Kelly) is seeking an interdisciplinary postdoctoral fellow for a 1 year position (extendable, depending on fit and progress) to design, implement and experimentally test, a high density neural recording system. The ongoing project will leverage results obtained by the investigators to disrupt neural recording systems as they exist, providing novel solutions to long-standing open problems of clinical and neuroscientific relevance. A successful candidate will be paid competitively. The overall team comprises: * Pulkit Grover (Information theory, signal processing, circuits, CMU ECE and CNBC) * Jeffrey Weldon (circuits, devices, CMU ECE) * Shawn Kelly (circuits, devices, neural implants, CMU ECE and ICES) * Marlene Behrmann (neuroscience, member of National Academy of Sciences, CMU Psych and CNBC) * Michael Tarr (neuroscience, head of psychology, CMU Psych and CNBC) * Dr. Mark Richardson (Director, Adult Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Surgery and Brain Modulation Lab, University of Pittsburgh and CNBC) The candidate will be expected to interact regularly with the first three, and intermittently with the rest, to lead this project. Preferred skills: System-level design and hardware implementation experience is a must. Experience in board design will be helpful. Expertise in MATLAB, circuits, neuroengineering/neuroscience, signal processing, information theory, devices, is helpful but not necessary. The team also includes one Ph.D. and six undergraduate students working on information theory and circuit design for these systems, and actively collaborates with faculty in psychology and neuroscience, and clinicians. The fellow is expected to focus on system design, implementation, and testing. The concepts and implementation developed by our group lay the foundation for this project. Within one year, the fellow is expected to: * Lead design and implementation of an ongoing high-density neural recording system project at CMU (using off-the-shelf components), and * (Collaboratively) experimentally validate it, neuroscientifically and clinically. As such, this is a challenging yet accomplishable postdoctoral position providing a unique interdisciplinary opportunity to the applicants. Applicants should hold a PhD. Those with a mix of board-design, circuits-design, and/or signal processing/optimization/bioengineering background, with interest in neuroscience/neuroengineering/bioengineering, are especially encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, a CV, and the names and contact information for 3 researchers who can provide a recommendation: pulkit(a)cmu.edu, jweldon(a)andrew.cmu.edu, skkelly(a)andrew.cmu.edu . For further information, please send an email to the three email addresses as well. The position is available immediately and applications will be considered until the position is filled.

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PhD openings in Computational Brain at Rutgers
by Konstantinos Michmizos Nov. 24, 2015

Nov. 24, 2015

The Laboratory for Computational Brain Modeling and Analysis at Rutgers University has several funded openings for PhD students in Computational Brain Our Lab is part of the CS Department, which has been consistently ranked at the top-35 CS Departments in U.S. We are searching for Renaissance types who are broadly trained and can march across disciplines to find solutions In addition to Computer Science, there are 5 areas of knowledge required for a successful presence in the Lab - robotics, signal analysis, system identification, mathematics and neurophysiology When you come (or when you leave), you are expected to be proficient in at least three of these areas Interested students could send a 1-page summary of their background and how it relates to the Computational Brain Analysis and Modeling as well as their CV to: konstantinos.michmizos(a)cs.rutgers.edu, with email subject: PhD_openings-Comp_Neuro-2016 === Applying Please note the PhD admission criteria for the CS Department, listed at https://www.cs.rutgers.edu/graduate/faq.whtml The deadline to be considered for the Fall semester of 2016 is January 1st All complete applications should be submitted through our online application system http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu === Papers For the most recent papers relevant to these opportunities, interested students are invited to consult the following articles KP Michmizos, S Rossi, E Castelli, P Cappa, HI Krebs (2015) Robot-Aided Neurorehabilitation: A Pediatric Robot for Ankle Rehabilitation. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, pp. 1-11, doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2015.2410773 S Khan, KP Michmizos, M Tommerdahl, S Ganesan, M Kitzbichler, M Zetino, K Garel, M Herbert, M Hamalainen, T Kenet (2015) Somatosensory cortex functional connectivity abnormalities in autism show opposite trends, depending on direction and spatial scale. Brain, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/brain/awv043 === COMBRA Lab COMBRA Lab has ongoing collaborations with research labs at MIT and McGill University as well as clinical sites at Harvard Medical School and the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital The Lab is integrated into the Center for Computational Biomedicine Imaging and Modeling (CBIM) Center, a highly multidisciplinary Center at Rutgers that includes research labs on human motion capture experiments, machine learning and robotics === Rutgers University Rutgers University is the 8th-oldest college in the United States, one of the top-50 universities in the world with 250 years of innovation in research and teaching Rutgers is in the middle of the greatest concentration of industrial and government research laboratories in the U.S., within 1-hour drive to Manhattan, NY and Philadelphia -- -- combra.cs.rutgers.edu ----------------------------------------------------- Konstantinos Michmizos Assistant Professor Head Computational Brain Modeling and Analysis Lab Computational Biomedicine Imaging and Modeling Center Department of Computer Science Rutgers University

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Postdoctoral position in Computational or Experimental Social Neuroscience
by Emmanuelle Tognoli Nov. 23, 2015

Nov. 23, 2015

The Human Brain and Behavior Laboratory (HBBL), Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral position for its research program in Social Neuroscience. The aim of this research program is to advance our understanding of basic forms of real-time social behavior, with a three-pronged approach that combines (1) experimental studies aimed at elucidating how neuromarkers are organized dynamically during the course of social interaction (2) the design and analysis of the Human Dynamic Clamp (reciprocal coupling between humans and mathematical models of a social partner) and (3) multiscale neurocomputational modeling of both structure and function. The postdoctoral scientist will be highly motivated and able to work independently. He/she will also collaborate within an interdisciplinary team of researchers whose expertise spans Neuroscience, Psychology and Physics. The successful applicant will contribute to the design and conduct of neurobehavioral experiments, and/or to theoretical modeling in which social interactions are treated as meaningfully coupled dynamical systems (Coordination Dynamics). Candidates should have a PhD degree or equivalent. Experience or willingness to learn in one or more relevant domains will be considered an advantage: - Theoretical modeling, dynamical systems - Preparation and conduct of social, neurobehavioral and neurocognitive experiments - Recording and analysis of brain activity and behavior (e.g. EEG, MEG, fMRI, etc) - Digital signal processing and statistical analysis - Programming (Matlab, C, visual basic), - Excellent writing skills The position will be for one year with a possibility of extension depending on satisfactory progress. Salary will be commensurable with experience. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Qualified candidates should send a CV and arrange for 3 reference letters via email to: J. A. Scott Kelso & Emmanuelle Tognoli, kelso(a)ccs.fau.edu, tognoli(a)ccs.fau.edu http://www.ccs.fau.edu/hbbl3/ HBBL, Center for Complex Systems & Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL USA -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

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ICLR 2016 Open Call for Comments
by Hugo Larochelle Nov. 23, 2015

Nov. 23, 2015

Call for Public Comments on Submissions International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR 2016) Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 2-4, 2016 http://www.iclr.cc/ The program committee for the International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR 2016) invites public comments on all ICLR 2016 submissions. Under ICLR's open reviewing model anyone may provide comments on submitted papers as part of the review process. Please note that these comments will be attributed (non-anonymous) and public. To participate, visit: https://cmt.research.microsoft.com/ICLR2016Conference/Protected/PublicComme… Access requires a CMT account. If you don't have one already, go here: https://cmt.research.microsoft.com/ICLR2016Conference/Public/SignUp.aspx If you have any questions, please send them to iclr2016.programchairs(a)gmail.com<mailto:iclr2016.programchairs@gmail.com> . Hugo, Brian, Samy -- ICLR 2016 program chairs

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Opening for Postdoc/Assist.Prof. on principles of brain computation and learning
by Wolfgang Maass Nov. 21, 2015

Nov. 21, 2015

We are inviting applications for a position as Postdoc (combined with a part time position as Assistant Professor, 6 year contract; teaching language: English) in our Institute. Starting date: between 1.1. and 1.3. 2016. Applicants should combine a strong grounding in mathematics/theory, machine learning, and computational neuroscience with a genuine interest in understanding the implications of new experimental data for principles of brain computation and learning. An excellent research record, team working capability, and computer simulation experience is desired. Please send your CV, publication list, a sketch of your research interests, email addresses of referees, and key publications (pdf or URL) by December 6 to my assistant Daniela Potzinger: daniela.potzinger(a)igi.tugraz.at -- Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Maass Institute for Foundations of Information Processing Graz University of Techology, Austria http://www.igi.tugraz.at/maass/Welcome.html

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UCLA Statistics/Mathematics Faculty Search
by Mayur Mudigonda Nov. 21, 2015

Nov. 21, 2015

UCLA Statistics/Mathematics Faculty Search Open-ranked faculty position (tenure-track Assistant Professor or tenured Associate/Full Professor) split in the Department of Statistics (50%) and Department of Mathematics (50%) at the University of California, Los Angeles. We seek outstanding applicants contributing to the cutting edge development of machine learning, big data or data science. We welcome applicants whose experience in research, teaching and service has prepared them to contribute to UCLA’s commitment to excellence and diversity. Ph.D. in Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field is required by date of anticipated appointment of July 1, 2016. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Please refer to Tracking Job #JPF01740 on all correspondence. Reviews for the position will commence on Nov 15, 2015 and will continue until a successful candidate is identified. Interested applicants should apply at UCLA Academic Recruit at: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/apply/JPF01740 The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy at: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct Applicants should submit: 1) CV 2) Cover letter describing how their qualifications and interests would fit with the position description 3) Two representative publications (or preprints) 4) Statement of research 5) Statement of teaching 6) Three letters of recommendation All inquiries may be sent to Chie Ryu at <%63%68%69%65%2e%72%79%75%40%73%74%61%74%2e%75%63%6c%61%2e%65%64%75> chie.ryu(a)stat.ucla.edu. M redwood.berkeley.edu/mayur

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Tenure-track, postdoc and PhD positions at University of Utah
by Alla Borisyuk Nov. 20, 2015

Nov. 20, 2015

There are fully funded tenure-track, postdoctoral and graduate positions available at the Department of Mathematics of the University of Utah. The positions are open to hiring in all areas of math, including mathematical biology. Our campus has a lively and interactive neuroscience and computational neuroscience community, with many opportunities for learning and collaboration, and we welcome new members, from students to faculty. We are located in the beautiful Salt Lake City. It is a vibrant urban community with easy access to national parks, world-class skiing, hiking and biking, and an easily accessible international airport. For more information please see the following links or contact me with any questions at borisyuk at math.utah.edu. For tenure-track and postdoctoral: http://www.math.utah.edu/positions/ For graduate studies: http://www.math.utah.edu/grad/

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Faculty positions at Imperial College London
by Claudia Clopath Nov. 20, 2015

Nov. 20, 2015

Faculty positions at Imperial College London (at the Assistant and Associate Professor level). We are looking for expertise at the interface between neuroscience and engineering, in the broad sense. New hires would be invited to join the Centre for Neurotechnology (http://www.imperial .ac.uk/neurotechnology). Deadline: Dec 4th 2015. Details: http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/552975-lecturers-senior-lectu… Best, Claudia Clopath Imperial College London http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/c.clopath/lab

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Geilo Winter School 2016: Scientific Visualization
by Hans Ekkehard Plesser Nov. 20, 2015

Nov. 20, 2015

The 16th Geilo Winter School will take place January 17-22 2015 at Dr. Holms Hotel, Geilo. As you may already know, this year's topic is Scientific Visualization. As you can see from the preliminary program (http://goo.gl/LTfwMF) this year's winter school will cover multiple aspects of scientific visualization, a topic we hope many of you find interesting. Visualization is an integral part of science, and a necessity for our understanding of complex processes and data. The word itself can have a broad interpretation, including creating trivial plots of values, advanced rendering techniques, and complex statistical data reasoning. This winter school will target the process of understanding data through scientific visualization, and focus on extracting knowledge from data. With hands-on exercises, you will learn techniques, tools, and best practices for extracting knowledge from data. We are still awaiting confirmation from a couple of interesting speakers, so expect that the program will expand in the coming time. As in previous years, there will also be a poster session on Wednesday, where participants are encouraged to present their own research. You can find more information about the winter school on the brand new webpages, http://www.sintef.no/GeiloWinterSchool/, and you can follow the school on Facebook as well, https://www.facebook.com/geilowinterschool/. Important information: - Registration deadline: December 17th, 2015. - Registration page: http://goo.gl/lkTB07 - Webpage: http://www.sintef.no/GeiloWinterSchool/ - Cost: Free to attend, but participants cover own travel and accommodation at Dr. Holms. See registration page for details. Kind regards, Hans Ekkehard Plesser -- Dr. Hans Ekkehard Plesser, Associate Professor Section Head Dept. of Mathematical Sciences and Technology Norwegian University of Life Sciences PO Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway Phone +47 6723 1560 Email hans.ekkehard.plesser(a)nmbu.no Home http://arken.umb.no/~plesser

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Call for Workshops - Bernstein Conference 2016
by Margret Franke Nov. 20, 2015

Nov. 20, 2015

The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience and the Bernstein Center Berlin invite proposals for Satellite Workshops directly preceding the Bernstein Conference 2016 in Berlin. ********************************************************************************** Call for Workshop proposals: Workshops: September 20-21, 2016 Main Bernstein Conference: September 21-23, 2016 Deadline for proposal submission: March 18, 2016 Notification of acceptance: April 22, 2016 Conference Registration starts: May 2, 2016 Early Registration Deadline: July 24, 2016 ********************************************************************************** The Bernstein Conference started out as the annual meeting of the Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience and has become the largest annual single-track Computational Neuroscience conference in Europe in recent years. Since 2013, the Bernstein Conference hosts pre-conference workshops, which have developed swiftly into a well-attended event. They supply a stage to debate topical research questions and challenges in Computational Neuroscience and related fields, different points of view and scientific approaches in an informal setting. Workshops addressing controversial issues, open problems, and comparisons of competing approaches are encouraged, and formats are expected that foster debate beyond a mere series of talks. SCHEDULE: September 20, 2016, 14:00 – 18:30. September 21, 2016, 9:00 – 12:30. You may apply for either half-day or full-day workshops. WORKSHOP COSTS: The Bernstein Conference does not provide financial support, but workshop organizers and speakers are offered free workshop registration. Organizers get a waiver for the main conference fee. For further information about the conference, please visit the conference website <http://www.bernstein-conference.de>. DETAILS FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS: The Workshop Proposal form can be downloaded here: <http://www.nncn.de/de/bernstein-conference/2016/satellite-workshops>. Deadline for submission of Workshop Proposals: March 18, 2016 CONTACT: <bc16_ws(at)bccn-berlin.de> We are looking forward to welcoming you in Berlin! The program committee ------------------------------- Michael Brecht Gustavo Deco Alain Destexhe Sophie Denève Udo Ernst Adrienne Fairhall Sonja Grün John-Dylan Haynes Andreas Herz Philipp Hövel Richard Kempter Klaus Obermayer Stefan Rotter Susanne Schreiber Henning Sprekeler -- Margret Franke Managing Director Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Unter den Linden 6 10099 Berlin phone: (030) 2093-9110 fax: (030) 2093-6771

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U of Washington, Seattle: Open faculty position in Applied Mathematics
by Eric Shea-Brown Nov. 20, 2015

Nov. 20, 2015

The Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Washington announces the availability of a tenure-track assistant professor position, to start in the Autumn Quarter of 2016. Outstanding candidates in all areas of applied mathematics are encouraged to apply. Applicants must hold a PhD, or foreign equivalent, in (applied) mathematics or a related field of application. They should show outstanding accomplishments in research and a commitment to excellence in teaching. The successful candidate is expected to engage in research (including the supervision of graduate students), teaching (the current regular teaching load is three courses during a three-quarter academic year), and service. The department has current research strength in scientific computing and numerical analysis, nonlinear waves and coherent structures, mathematical biology, atmospheric science and climate modeling, mathematical methods, mathematical finance, data-driven methods, optimization etc. and has a long tradition of interdisciplinary collaboration. Candidates can complement these existing strengths or they can bring in new areas of expertise. See http://depts.washington.edu/amath/ <http://depts.washington.edu/amath/> for more details. To apply, applicants should upload all applications materials to www.mathjobs.org <http://www.mathjobs.org/>. Specifically, the following materials should be provided: (1) curriculum vita, (2) research statement, (3) teaching statement, and (4) no less than three letters of reference (to be uploaded directly to www.mathjobs.org <http://www.mathjobs.org/>). Review of applications will begin December 1, 2015. The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Link to apply: https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/7926 <https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/7926>

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multiple postdoc positions in comp.neuro
by Xaq Pitkow Nov. 19, 2015

Nov. 19, 2015

POSITION: Xaq Pitkow’s Computational Neuroscience group jointly at the Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University is seeking several highly motivated postdoctoral researchers for multiple exciting and ambitious projects at the interface of neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Successful applicants will develop theories of distributed neural computation and work closely with our outstanding experimental and theoretical team members to test these theories. PROJECTS: * Reverse-engineering the inference algorithm used by mammalian cortex, by connecting circuit architecture, distributed computation, probabilistic inference, and learning. * Revealing how brains play video games. We have designed dynamic, immersive virtual environments for animals, and will simultaneously record many neurons while the animals behave. We will use control theory and network analysis to model how recorded neural activity represents amibiguous sensory variables and what neural transformations explain the animal’s behavior in the games. QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have outstanding mathematical skills, a Ph.D in a relevant quantitative discipline, and demonstrable expertise in computational neuroscience, statistics, machine learning, information theory, or control theory. Strong communication skills are also required. Previous knowledge of neurobiology is advantageous but not essential. ENVIRONMENT: We are an energetic, highly collaborative theory group residing in two world-class academic research institutions renowned for biomedical and engineering research. Read more about the lab and our projects at xaqlab.com. Houston itself is a cultured city with fabulous restaurants and a warm climate, with a well-connected international airport. APPLYING: Postdoctoral fellowships are for an initial appointment of one year, with further extensions depending on fit and progress. The positions provide a competitive annual salary and benefits. Applicants should email a letter of research interests and CV to Xaq Pitkow (xaq(a)rice.edu) The start date is flexible, and we look forward to reviewing completed applications as they arrive.

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Multiple Faculty Positions in Human Neuroimaging at UC Riverside
by Aaron Seitz Nov. 19, 2015

Nov. 19, 2015

The University of California, Riverside, invites applications for five positions in human neuroimaging at the Assistant & Associate level. Successful candidates will become core faculty in the newly established Human Neuroimaging Center that includes a new Prisma 3T Siemens scanner. We seek applicants with a strong track record of research publications and funding (or funding potential) in basic science and methods of human neuroimaging with one position in each of the following areas: Human Cognitive Neuroscience (speech/language, learning/memory, attention, perceptual systems), Human Developmental Neuroscience (cognitive development, emotion regulation, lifespan, psychopathology), Human Social Neuroscience (social cognition, affect, relationships, personality), MR Physics/Engineering (MRI sequences and reconstruction, DTI, SWI, hardware, MR spectroscopy), and Neuroimaging Data Processing/Analysis (fMRI data processing and analysis, neuroimaging data mining and imaging genetics, MRI computational neuroscience). Applicants should be committed to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education. UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Review of completed applications begins January 4, 2016 and continues until a position is filled, with appointments beginning June 30, 2016. Interested candidates should send a cover letter describing research and teaching interest, their curriculum vitae, reprints and preprints, and should arrange to have three letters of recommendation provided. Application to senior rank positions must have a Ph.D in a related field, and apply at this link: https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF00480. Applicants for junior ranked positions must have a Ph.D. by time of appointment and should apply at this link: https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF00483. Advancement through the faculty ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input. Questions about the position should be directed to Professor John Andersen, Chair, Human Neuroimaging Search Committee, at john.andersen(a)ucr.edu <mailto:john.andersen@ucr.edu> . The University of California at Riverside (UCR) is embarking on a major new hiring initiative that will add 300 tenured and tenure-track positions in 33 cross-disciplinary areas selected through a peer-reviewed competition. Over the next three years, we will hire multiple faculty members in each area and invest in research infrastructure to support their work. This initiative will build critical mass in vital and emerging fields of scholarship, foster truly cross-disciplinary work and further diversify the faculty at one of America¹s most diverse research universities. We encourage applications from scholars committed to excellence and seeking to help redefine the research university for the next generation. For information regarding UCR¹s hiring initiative go to clusterhiring.ucr.edu. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. ************************************************** Aaron Seitz, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology Director of UCR Brain Game Center University of California, Riverside 900 University Ave. Riverside, CA 92521 Ph: (951) 827-6422 Fax: (951) 827-3985 Email: aseitz(a)ucr.edu Web: http://faculty.ucr.edu/~aseitz/ BGC: http://braingamecenter.ucr.edu **************************************************

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International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS) 2016
by Zachary Kilpatrick Nov. 18, 2015

Nov. 18, 2015

We are delighted to announce the 2nd International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS 2016), to be held at the Congress Center in Juan-les-Pins on the French Riviera from May 29 to June 1. Tutorials will be held May 29, and the main conference is May 30 - June 1. More details are given on the conference website: https://icmns2016.inria.fr/ <https://icmns2016.inria.fr/> The main goal of the conference is to bring together researchers from math and neuroscience to discuss novel interactions arising between the two fields. The conference is motivated by many outstanding questions concerning brain function and dysfunction across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Studying these questions requires a wide range of mathematical tools, including probability and statistics, stochastic calculus, dynamical systems, functional analysis, geometry, information theory, and numerical analysis. The conference also aims to illustrate that neuroscience is spawning new areas of mathematics. We encourage abstract submission by researchers from all areas of mathematical neuroscience. One page abstracts will be reviewed by a Program Committee and divided into three categories: featured talks, session talks, and posters. Details are given here: https://icmns2016.inria.fr/call-for-contributions/ <https://icmns2016.inria.fr/call-for-contributions/> The abstract submission deadline is January 7, 2016. Meeting registration will open shortly thereafter. Questions should be directed to the conference email: icmns2016-contact(a)inria.fr <mailto:icmns2016-contact@inria.fr> CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Wulfram Gerstner (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) Rachel Kuske (U British Columbia) Jonathan Rubin (U Pittsburgh) Carina Curto (Penn State University) Ruben Moreno-Bote (Foundation Sant Joan de Deu) Hiroya Nakao (Tokyo Institute of Technology) Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Si Wu (Beijing Normal University) PROGRAM COMMITTEE Toni Guillamon (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) Roland Potthast (U Reading) Gregory Faye (Université Paul Sabatier ) Wilhelm Stannat (TU Berlin) Jonathan Touboul (College de France) Gilles Wainrib (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Suzanne Ditlevsen (University of Copenhagen) Boris Gutkin (Ecole Normale Supérieure) Martin Wechselberger (U Sydney) Jonathan Rubin (U Pittsburgh) Martin Krupa (INRIA Sophia Antipoilis) Carlo Laing (Massey University) Andre Longtin (U Ottawa) Daniele Avitabile (U Nottingham) Jose Carrillo (Imperial College) Pascal Chossat (Université Nice Sophia Antipolis) Carson Chow (National Institutes of Health) Steve Zucker (Yale University) Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Rachel Kuske (U British Columbia) Laura Sacerdote (Universita di Torino) Reinhard Hopfner (Johannes-Gutenberg Universitat) Olivier Faugeras (INRIA - Sophia Antipolis) Paul Bressloff (U Utah) Steve Coombes (U Nottingham) CONFERENCE CHAIRS Romain Veltz (INRIA - Sophia Anitpolis) Zachary Kilpatrick (U Houston) Evelyn Buckwar (Johannes Kepler Universitat Linz) We hope to see you in Juan-les-Pins! All the best Romain, Zack, and Evelyn

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PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, Univ of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
by Adam S Greenberg Nov. 18, 2015

Nov. 18, 2015

Dear Colleagues, Please pass the following information along to your undergraduates/RAs who plan to pursue a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience beginning in the Fall of 2016. Faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) are actively recruiting graduate students who intend to earn a PhD conducting cognitive neuroscience research. UWM has an extremely energetic & cohesive group of faculty using cognitive neuroscience techniques to study the neural bases of learning & memory, attention, perception, dementia, addiction, anxiety, depression, and motor control. Collectively, our labs form a group of more than 50 faculty, postdocs, graduate students, research scientists, and research assistants all working on cognitive neuroscience at UWM. A major strength of our program is our depth - cognitive neuroscientists at UWM are part of a much broader community of researchers whose interests range from cellular to systems-level neuroscience (see http://<http://neuroscience.uwm.edu>neuroscience.uwm.edu<http://neuroscience.uwm.edu> for more information about Neuroscience at UWM). Labs of the following cognitive neuroscience faculty are currently interested in accepting graduate students: Ira Driscoll, PhD --> Cognitive Neuroscience of Aging Lab (http://www.uwmdriscolllab.com) Adam S. Greenberg, PhD --> Sensory Neuroscience, Attention, & Perception Lab (http://SNAPlaboratory.com<http://snaplaboratory.com/>) Anthony J. Greene, PhD --> Greene Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (http://www4.uwm.edu/people/ag) Deborah Hannula, PhD --> Memory & Brain Lab (https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/hannula/brainlab) Fred Helmstetter, PhD --> Helmstetter Lab (http://pantherfile.uwm.edu/fjh/www/helmlab) Wendy Huddleston, PhD --> Visuomotor Lab (http://www4.uwm.edu/visuomotor) Christine Larson, PhD --> Affective Neuroscience Lab (http://<http://uwmlarsonlab.org/>uwmlarsonlab.org<http://uwmlarsonlab.org/>) Krista M. Lisdahl, PhD --> Brain Imaging & Neuropsychology Lab (http://uwmBraINlab.com<http://uwmbrainlab.com/>) Ali Borji, PhD --> Vision & Learning Lab (http://pantherfile.uwm.edu/borji/www) These labs make use of a large array of tools including fMRI, TMS, eye-tracking, MEG, EEG, DTI, psychophysical methods, and computational modeling. In addition to an existing 3 Tesla MRI scanner, we are also excited about the recent arrival of a research-dedicated 7 Tesla MRI scanner at our partner institution, the Medical College of Wisconsin. Students in our program interact with biophysicists, neurologists, and radiologists through the world-renown Center for Imaging Research at MCW: http://www.mcw.edu/CIR/AboutUs/About-the-Center.htm Milwaukee is a vibrant, inexpensive city on the shores of Lake Michigan (90 miles from Chicago) with a thriving urban culture, food, arts & music scene. An award-winning network of parks and biking/hiking trails allow for plentiful outdoor activities during all seasons. Research experience is strongly desirable. Students in good standing typically receive financial support for five years, in the form of research, teaching or fellowship positions. Students are encouraged to contact the above faculty directly by email, and can apply through the graduate programs listed below (depending on the lab they're interested in). NOTE: Some of us will be attending the Psychonomics meeting in Chicago this week; please email us if you would like to discuss graduate school options at UWM. PhD in Experimental Psychology/Neuroscience (applications due December 1, 2015): http://uwm.edu/psychology/graduate/phd-program/experimental-psychology/ PhD in Clinical Psychology (applications due December 1, 2015): http://uwm.edu/psychology/graduate/phd-program/clinical-psychology/ PhD in Kinesiology (applications due January 15, 2016): http://uwm.edu/healthsciences/academics/phd-kinesiology/ PhD in Computer Science/Engineering (rolling admissions); http://uwm.edu/engineering/academics-2/graduate/doctoral-programs-in-engine… ___________________________ Adam Greenberg, Ph.D. Assistant Professor University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Department of Psychology P.O. Box 413 Milwaukee, WI 53201 email: agreenb(a)uwm.edu<mailto:agreenb@uwm.edu> Tel. (414) 229-1106 Fax (414) 229-5219 http://www.snaplaboratory.com/ ___________________________

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PhD stipend in human movement and cognition
by Dominik Endres Nov. 18, 2015

Nov. 18, 2015

Doctoral Stipend Available A doctoral stipend for a highly motivated individual is available in the group of theoretical Neuroscience headed by Prof. Dr. Dominik Endres. The Group is located in the Department of Psychology at the Philipps-University of Marburg, Germany. The stipend is for up to three years given satisfactory performance. The stipend is intended to facilitate a scientific qualification, specifically a German doctorate (PhD equivalent). Duties include active, self-motivated participation in the research and teaching activities of the group, in particular a) the development of quantifiable theoretical models about movement perception, movement control and object- and action semantics and b) the experimental testing of such models using the new virtual-reality facility of the department. The stipend holder is expected to engage actively in the definition of a research project in one of the aforementioned areas, which comprises both theoretical and experimental aspects. Prerequisites are a Master's degree or German Diplom in one of the following areas: theoretical Neuroscience, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Cognitive Science or Psychology with a minor in one of the aforementioned fields. Programming experience in Python, C++ or similar are advantageous. Applications with experience in machine learning, computer graphics or behavioral experimentation will be preferred. Applicants' skills in these areas will be tested as a part of the recruitment procedure. The academic environment is a vibrant scientific community at the Research Alliance Giessen/Marburg comprising the IRTG 1901 International Research Training Group investigating The Brain in Action (http://www.irtg-brainact.de/) and a Collaborative Research Center (SFB 135, http://www.forschungsallianz-gi-mr.de/projekte/sfb/wahrnehmung) on the Cardinal Mechanisms of Perception, thus offering an excellent environment for cutting edge research on the intersections between different disciplines ranging from experimental psychology and human movement science to computational modeling, machine learning, psycholinguistics and the neurobiology of action. Applications should include a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and Master's transcripts or similar records, and the addresses of 2 referees. The initial application should be sent by email to Prof. Dr. D. Endres (dominik.endres(a)uni-marburg.de) no later than Dec. 15th, 2015 (earlier applications preferred). Please do not sent originals by mail, because we will not be able to return them to you. We will not cover travel costs to/from Marburg for job interviews. The Philipps-University of Marburg is an equal opportunity employer. -- Prof. Dr. Dominik Endres AE Theoretische Neurowissenschaft Allgemeine und Biologische Psychologie FB Psychologie, Gutenbergstr 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany Tel. +49-(0)6421-28-23818

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ICANN 2016 First Announcement
by antonio Nov. 18, 2015

Nov. 18, 2015

1st Call for Papers 1st Call for special sessions, workshops, demonstrations ============================================================ *www.icann2016.org* *ICANN 2016 * 25th Annual Conference on Artificial Neural Networks BarcelonaTech (UPC), Barcelona, Spain 6 - 9 September 2016* Special event*: ENNS 25th Anniversary ============================================================ /The International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks (ICANN) is the annual flagship conference of the European Neural Network Society (ENNS). In 2016 the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (BarcelonaTech) will organize the 25th ICANN Conference from //the //6th to //the //9th //of //September 2016 in Barcelona, Spain, in collaboration with the Universit//at//Pompeu Fabra (UPF)./ *INVITED KEYNOTE SPEAKERS* 1. *Wlodek Duch *(Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland) 2. *Erkki Oja *(Aalto University, Helsinki, Finland) 3. *Joaquin Fuster *(University of California at Los Angeles, USA) 4. *Murray Shanahan* (Imperial College London, UK) 5. *Günther Palm*(University of Ulm, Germany) 6. *Stephen Coombes *(University of Nottingham, UK) 7. *Etienne Koechlin*( Pierre and Marie Curie University, France) *IMPORTANT DATES* /Special session / workshop proposals: /15 January 2016 /Proposals for competitions and tutorials:/31 January 2016 /Submission of abstracts and papers: /1 March 2016 /Submission of //d//emonstration proposals: /1 March 2016 /Notification of acceptance:/8 May 2016 /Camera-ready paper and registration: /15 May 2016 /Conference dates:/6-9 September 2016 *CONFERENCE TOPICS* ICANN 2016 will feature the main tracks /Brain Inspired computing/ and /Machine Learning research/, with strong cross-disciplinary interactions and applications. All research fields dealing with Neural Networks will be present at the conference. A non-exhaustive list of topics includes: * Brain Inspired Computing: Cognitive models, Computational Neuroscience, Self-organization, Reinforcement Learning, Neural Control and Planning, Hybrid Neural-Symbolic Architectures, Neural Dynamics, Recurrent Networks, Deep Learning. * Machine Learning: Neural Network Theory, Neural Network Models, Graphical Models, Bayesian Networks, Kernel Methods, Generative Models, Information Theoretic Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Relational Learning, Dynamical Models. * Neural Applications for: Intelligent Robotics, Neurorobotics, Language Processing, Image Processing, Sensor Fusion, Pattern Recognition, Data Mining, Neural Agents, Brain-Computer Interaction, Neural Hardware, Evolutionary Neural Networks. *CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES* - To bring together researchers from two worlds: Information Sciences and Neurosciences - To keep a wide scope, ranging from Machine Learning Algorithms to models of real nervous systems - To facilitate discussions and interactions in the effort towards developing more intelligent computational systems and increasing our understanding of neural and cognitive processes in the brain. - To help researchers to meet, mingle and network with colleagues from all over the world. - To be the meeting point between research and business. - To be a global interdisciplinary meeting encompassing Machine Learning and Neural Computation. *BENEFITS OF ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE* - A solid cutting-edge scientific programme including talks from the world experts in the field of artificial neural networks. - A conference schedule tailored to encourage interaction between the attendees, with time for networking and discussion. - The publication of all accepted contributions in the peer-reviewed book of conference proceedings, in the Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series. - The opportunity to vote and to be considered for the best paper awards, presented during the final ceremony of ICANN. - A top-level conference in the field with a reasonable registration fee, thanks to the not-for-profit policy of the ENNS organisation. Students can apply for ENNS funded travel grants to attend. - An overly attractive conference location in the beautiful Barcelona, Spain, and social events letting you explore the area. - The participation in a special event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ICANN for all the ENNS members. *CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES* Early registration fees have been kept particularly low for this kind of event because ENNS and ICANN aim at full implementation of the academic not-for-profit policy. Undergraduate students (Bachelor and Master level): 90 EUR PhD Students: 200 EUR Regular delegates: 250 EUR *ENNS members have a reduction of 40 EUR* Students can apply for ENNS funded travel grants to attend (see the conference website). *CALL FOR CONTRIBUTED SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS* All scientific communications presented at ICANN 2016 will be reviewed and scientifically evaluated by a panel of experts. The conference will feature three categories of communications: - oral communications (15'+5') - poster communications (on permanent display and 2 hours presentation) - demonstrations Authors willing to present original contributions for any category must submit a manuscript of maximum 8 pages length that will be refereed to international standards by at least three referees. Accepted papers of contributing authors will be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series. Selected papers will be invited after the conference for a full journal paper submission. Authors willing to present a contribution for oral communications and posters without submitting an full manuscript must submit a 1-page abstract that will also be refereed by at least three referees. The abstracts will be published all together in a proceedings section without an author index. In case of program constraints the priority will be given to original contributions accompanied by a full paper submission. Submission of communications will be online. More details are available on the conference website. *WORKSHOPS, SPECIAL SESSIONS, DEMONSTRATIONS,* *COMPETITION PROPOSALS and TUTORIALS* ICANN 2016 invites proposals for workshops, special sessions, demonstrations, competitions and tutorials to be held during the conference. For more information, please refer to the website. *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 two in the Machine Learning research track. All awardees will be presented during the final ceremony. *ORGANISATION** General Chair:*/ Antonio J. Pons Rivero/(UPC Barcelona, Spain)* Local**co-Chairs:* /Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo/(UPF Barcelona, Spain), /Paul Verschure/(UPF Barcelona, Spain) *Organising Committee Chairs:*/ Daniel Malagarriga/(UPC Barcelona, Spain), /Lara Escuain/(UPC Barcelona, Spain), /Caroline Kleinheny/(ENNS Lausanne, Switzerland) *Communication* *Chair:*/ Paolo Masulli/(ENNS Lausanne, Switzerland) *********************************************** Antonio J. Pons Rivero General Chair of ICANN 2016 Terrassa School of Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering (ETSEIAT) Nonlinear dynamics, nonlinear optics and lasers Group BarcelonaTech (UPC) Edifici GAIA Rbla. Sant Nebridi, 22 08222 Terrassa, Spain Caroline Kleinheny Secretary of the European Neural Network Society University of Lausanne Internef 137k, Quartier UNIL Dorigny 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland ***********************************************

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[BITBRAIN] Job offer: mind wandering using biophysical signals
by javier Minguez Nov. 18, 2015

Nov. 18, 2015

Dear all, I attach information of a 7 months position related to brain-machine interfaces within an H2020 Marie Curie ITN project. Best, Javier Minguez Early Stage Researcher (PhD fellowship) Brain-Machine Interfaces for Cognitive State Detection Applications are invited for the above position to work with Prof. Javier Minguez <http://webdiis.unizar.es/~jminguez/> and Prof. Luis Montesano <http://webdiis.unizar.es/~montesan/web/> on a Marie Curie Initial Training Network funded project in Neural Engineering to underpin work at BitBrain Technologies <http://www.bitbrain.es/> (spin-off company of the University of Zaragoza) on the topic of Brain-Machine Interfaces for Cognitive State Detection. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a joint venture between a Neurotechnology company and the Biomedical Engineering School, on an EU funded project in Neural Engineering. BitBrain Technologies is a pioneer company in Neurotechnology bringing the latest results on Neural engineering to society. The PhD candidate will carry out research in the context of neural interfaces to monitor and control the cognitive state during long tasks. The objective will be the development of signal processing and machine learning techniques able to detect in real-time cognitive neural processes related to attention and mind wandering using a multi-modal interface. Applications are encouraged from highly numerate students with B.Sc or M.Sc. degree in biomedical/electrical/computer engineering and from PhD students working on related areas. The fellowship includes the possibility of collaboration during the internship with Prof. Jordi Calvo of the Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña and with Dr. Wolfram Erlhagen of the Universidade do Minho, Portugal. Candidates must be therefore be able to move between countries as necessary. Candidates must be in the first 4 years of their research careers and not been awarded a doctorate degree. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in biomedical-neural engineering, electrical engineering and/or computational neuroscience. As part of our commitment to promoting diversity we encourage applications from women. To comply with the Marie Curie Actions rule for mobility, applicants must not have resided, worked, or studied in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to January 2016. This full-time position is available from the 1st of Janaury 2016 with a fixed-term contract for a period of 7 months (salary around 20k€). Please visit *http://www.empleo.gob.es/en/index.htm <http://www.empleo.gob.es/en/index.htm>* for more information on Spanish national regulations. For information about the Biomedical Engineering School see *http://i3a.unizar.es/postgrado/index_master_EN.php,which <http://i3a.unizar.es/postgrado/index_master_EN.php,which>* is one of the most active in Spain. Applications will be sent to *hr(a)bitbrain.es <hr(a)bitbrain.es>*. The post will remain open until the position is filled. Please indicate clearly in your application the reference number for this fellowship – ESR018.

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Computational neuroscience PhDs at the University of Bristol
by Cian O'Donnell Nov. 17, 2015

Nov. 17, 2015

PhD applicants wanted for computational neuroscience research in the group of Cian O’Donnell, Dept of Computer Science, University of Bristol. Please forward this mail to any undergraduate or masters students you think may be interested. *** RESEARCH *** Our group uses computational modelling to try to understand synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. We want to understand how brains learn, so study everything from molecular signalling at synapses to learning dynamics in neural circuits. We also have interests in developing analysis tools for neural population data, and in understanding what goes wrong in brain disorders such as Autism. More at: http://www.bris.ac.uk/engineering/people/cian-odonnell. The specific PhD topic will be agreed upon between you and I, depending on your skill set and interests. There will be many opportunities to collaborate with experimental neurobiologists both locally at the excellent Bristol MRC Centre for Synaptic Plasticity (http://www.bris.ac.uk/synaptic/) and internationally with colleagues in Europe, USA and Japan. Candidates should have a strong quantitative background in Computer Science/Physics/Maths/Engineering, although neurobiology students with an enthusiasm for learning computational methods are also encouraged to apply. *** BASIC INFO *** Start date: October 2016 (flexible) Deadline: please apply as soon as possible. Duration: 3-4 years Eligibility requirements: must be EU citizens or have been resident in UK for > 3 years. Further eligibility details: http://www.bris.ac.uk/engineering/departments/computerscience/courses/postg… *** APPLICATION DETAILS *** To apply please send the following to cian.odonnell(a)bristol.ac.uk : 1) Your CV 2) Names and contact details of two referees 3) A brief (<1 page) letter highlighting any research experience and explaining why you are interested in neuroscience. If you have any questions or would just like to find out more before applying please feel free to email me anytime. Cheers, Cian O'Donnell http://www.bris.ac.uk/engineering/people/cian-odonnell http://www.snl.salk.edu/~cian

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AREADNE 2016 Conference Announcement
by John Pezaris Nov. 17, 2015

Nov. 17, 2015

CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT AREADNE 2016 Research in Encoding and Decoding of Neural Ensembles 22-26 June 2016 Nomikos Conference Centre Santorini, Greece http://www.areadne.org info(a)areadne.org INTRODUCTION A fundamental problem in neuroscience is to understand how the activation of neuronal populations gives rise to higher order functions including learning, memory, cognition, perception, action and ultimately conscious awareness. Electrophysiological recordings have revealed considerable information about the firing patterns of single neurons, but it remains largely a mystery how collections of individual neurons interact to perform these functions. Understanding ensemble activity is critical to understanding the brain. CONFERENCE MISSION The AREADNE Conferences have been created to gather global scientific leaders who work on neural ensembles and establish a touch-point for the widely disparate and hybrid field. With a spectacular setting on Santorini, the conferences have been carefully planned to foster discussion and interaction between attendees to encourage the establishment of lasting professional relationships. The meetings continue our efforts to promote systems neuroscience in Greece through creating a world-class forum for cutting-edge research. For 2016, we will be Celebrating Ten Years of AREADNE Conferences! FORMAT AND SPEAKERS The conference will span four days, in morning and early evening sessions. Confirmed speakers include experts in the field of multi-neuron experiment, theory, and analysis (in alphabetic order): Michele Basso, University of California Los Angeles Matthias Bethge, University of Tuebingen Rick Born, Harvard Medical School Rosa Cossart, INSERM James DiCarlo, MIT Lisa Giocomo, Stanford Konrad Kording, Northwestern University Matthew Larkum, Humboldt University of Berlin Albert Lee, HHMI Janelia Farm John Maunsell, University of Chicago Edvard Moser, Norwegian Univ of Science and Technology May-Britt Moser, Norwegian Univ of Science and Technology Stephanie Palmer, University of Chicago Liam Paninski , Columbia University Xaq Pitkow, Rice University Michael Roukes, Caltech Peter Schiller, MIT Stelios Smirnakis, Baylor College of Medicine Nelson Spruston, HHMI Janelia Farm Gina Turrigiano, Brandeis University ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Dora Angelaki Nicholas Hatsopoulos, co-chair John Pezaris, co-chair Panayiota Poirazi Thanos Siapas Andreas Tolias SPECIAL NOTE AND FURTHER INFORMATION For further information on AREADNE 2016 please see the conference web site http://www.areadne.org or send email to info(a)areadne.org. The timing of the DENDRITES 2016 meeting (http://dendrites2016.gr) in Crete dovetails quite nicely with the AREADNE 2016 meeting in Santorini. -- Dr. J. S. Pezaris AREADNE 2016 Co-Chair Massachusetts General Hospital 55 Fruit Street, THR-425 Boston, MA 02114, USA john(a)areadne.org

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PhD Position in Deep Learning & Visual Neuroscience
by Paul Zhutovsky Nov. 17, 2015

Nov. 17, 2015

Hi there, we at EyeQuant, a visual neuroscience / machine learning startup based in Berlin have teamed up with a Marie Curie training network to offer a fully salaried PhD candidate position at the rapidly advancing intersection of Deep Learning, Computer Vision and Visual Neuroscience, starting as soon as possible. This is a really unique opportunity to obtain a PhD through a prestigious programme while working with and at a successful technology software startup, enabling you to simultaneously advance your career prospects both inside and outside of academia. Your supervisor and PI will be neuroscientist and EyeQuant co-founder Prof. Dr. Peter König, who is the Director of the Institute of Cognitive Science and Head of the Neurobiopsychology Lab at the University of Osnabrück, Germany. You will be based in EyeQuant’s Berlin HQ, with regular trips to our Lab in Osnabrück. You can find more details and next steps here: http://jobs.eyequant.com/o/phd-candidate-research-engineer-in-deep-learning… Please note that in order to be eligible for the MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE grant, you must not have carried out your main research activity for more than 12 months in Germany in the previous 36 months.

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Assistant Professor in Psychology @ HSE, Moscow
by Alex Ossadtchi Nov. 17, 2015

Nov. 17, 2015

School of Psychology at the Faculty of Social Sciences Assistant Professor in Psychology (multiple positions) School of Psychology at the Faculty of Social Sciences National Research University Higher School of Economics Moscow, Russia The School of Psychology of the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Russia invites applications for full-time, tenure-track positions of Assistant Professor in psychology and related fields, notably in neuroeconomics, cognitive neuroscience, cognitive psychology, social and personality psychology, economic psychology, engineering psychology and computational neuroscience. Applications for Associate and Full Professorships can also be considered in exceptional cases. Knowledge of Russian is not required as teaching is done in English. Application: http://cas.hse.ru/psychology_2016_2017 About HSE The HSE is a young, dynamic, fast-growing Russian research university. Over the past twenty years, the HSE has become one of Russia's largest universities in the fields of economics, social sciences and humanities, and has earned the reputation of a national leader in higher education. One of its unique features has been its direct involvement in socioeconomic reforms in Russia, which has allowed HSE to develop as a “project and research university” where education, fundamental and applied research, and "think tank" activities are combined for the comprehensive development of society. Committed to high-quality research, HSE now has over twenty international research laboratories, led by eminent professors from all over the world; more such laboratories are expected to be opened by early 2016. The Department of Psychology provides excellent research facilities for studies in experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience. We provide excellent opportunities to teach in English at BA and MS levels. Requirements Candidates must hold a recent Ph.D. in psychology, social sciences, neuroscience, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics or related fields, or be within a year of completion at the time of application. The successful candidate is expected to conduct high-quality research publishable in reputable peer-reviewed journals with research support provided by the university’s Centre for Advanced Studies. The appointments will be made for three years in the first instance, starting in September 2016, with reviews of teaching and research during the third year. Benefits The salary is competitive, indexed to inflation annually, and subject to a 13% flat income tax. The university offers health insurance (free of charge), language assistance, and other social benefits; travel support and other research assistance are generous. Since we have heavy emphasis placed on high quality research, the teaching load of newly hired faculty is relatively low and service is minimal. Application and Interviews Please provide a CV, a statement of research interest and a recent research paper via online application form. At least 2 letters of reference should be forwarded directly to the attention of the Psychology Review Committee at cas(a)hse.ru. More information about the university and the Centre is available at the www.hse.ru/en, http://social.hse.ru/en/psy/ and www.cas.hse.ru Centre for Cognition & Decision Making: http://www.hse.ru/en/cdm-centre/

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Magnetoencephalographic imaging of dissociative anaesthetic action
by David Liley Nov. 17, 2015

Nov. 17, 2015

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Magnetoencephalographic imaging of dissociative anaesthetic action The Brain Dynamics Unit within the Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre at Swinburne University of Technology, in collaboration with the Universities of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Washington in St Louis, and supported financially by the James S McDonnell Foundation, is looking for a motivated and capable Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on the functional neuroimaging of anaesthetic action. The planned project, to be performed in collaboration with physician anaesthesiologists, will involve the administration of the dissociative anaesthetic agents xenon (a noble gas) and nitrous oxide ('laughing gas') to healthy participants while simultaneous MEG and EEG is recorded. The induced changes in the functional architecture of the recorded electromagnetic activity will then be characterised using a range of existing and to be developed information theoretic, graph theoretic and non-linear methods. Attempts to account for any induced changes in terms of mean field/mass action models of brain electrical activity will also be investigated. The dissociative anaesthetic agents are of particular interest because they are reported to increase activity in the brain in addition to targeting glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of psychiatric and neurological disorders. The position is intended for someone with substantial experience in recording MEG and the attendant source level analysis techniques (minimum norm, beamforming) in addition to possessing the requisite experience in existing and emerging methods used to estimate functional and effective brain connectivities from MEG and EEG data. Interested applicants should have a PhD in any of the following disciplines: theoretical physics, mathematics, biomedical or electrical engineering or quantitative biology. Proficiency is required in more than one of the following: C, Fortran, Python or Matlab in addition to substantial working knowledge of one or more of the following: FieldTrip, MNE, NutMEG, EEGlab, Brainstorm or SPM. Researchers in the unit, led by Prof David Liley, have developed a physiologically motivated theory of the dynamical genesis of the electroencephalogram (EEG). The model accounts for the rhythms of the human EEG and predicts their alteration by a range of pharmaceutical agents, in particular that of anaesthetic and sedative agents. Numerical solutions of the model's coupled set of non-linear partial differential equations have revealed spatio-temporal structures similar to those observed in experiment. It is hoped that this model can contribute to our understanding of how anaesthetic agents modulate brain activity. The Brain Dynamics group is part of the Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre (BPsyC), a vibrant, multi-disciplinary team of researchers whose expertise spans several different fields that include physics, psychology, psychophysiology, biophysics and the neurosciences. The BPsyC has among the most comprehensive suite of functional neuroimaging facilities available in Australia. These facilities include a 306 channel Elekta TRIUX MEG system, a Siemens 3T TIM Trio MRI and multiple high density EEG systems. Initial appointment will be for a period of 3 years at a salary level of no less than A6 (currently AUD 76,531) plus 17% superannuation. For further information and to apply please go the Swinburne University of Technology recruitment page at https://goo.gl/YoD01s. Applications for this position close 1st December 2015. In addition interested applicants can email Prof. David T. J. Liley at dliley(at)swin.edu.au. --------------------------- Prof David Liley Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre Swinburne University of Technology P.O. Box 218 Hawthorn VIC 3122 Australia ph: +61 3 9214 8812<tel:%2B61%203%209214%208812>

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Joint Faculty Position at NYU, in Neural Science and Data Science
by Eero Simoncelli Nov. 16, 2015

Nov. 16, 2015

The Center for Neural Science (CNS) and Center for Data Science (CDS) at New York University invite applications for an open rank faculty position from candidates with research programs aimed at quantitative analyses and modeling of neural data. We are particularly interested in scholars with cross-disciplinary research interests that complement those of our existing faculty. Current listings of faculty may be viewed at: http://www.cns.nyu.edu/faculty.php and http://cds.nyu.edu/people The deadline for receipt of applications is January 15, 2016. For further information, and application instructions, visit: http://www.cns.nyu.edu/faculty-search/ or http://cds.nyu.edu/opportunities/

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Call for Workshops/Tutorials at Alife XV
by Izquierdo, Eduardo J. Nov. 16, 2015

Nov. 16, 2015

CALL FOR WORKSHOPS AND TUTORIALS The ALife XV Organizing Committee invites proposals for Tutorials and Workshops to be held in conjunction with the Fifteenth International Conference on the Synthesis and Simulation of Living Systems (ALife XV), which will be held in Cancun, Mexico on July 4th-8th, 2016. http://xva.life<http://xva.life/> If accepted, ALife will provide the onsite logistics (seminar rooms, projectors, coffee breaks, and lunches) and links from the main conference website. All other organizational issues – including separate review process and proceedings publication, if any – are taken care of by the workshop chairs. Therefore, any workshop-specific requests from participants should be exclusively addressed to them, not to the ALife committee. The internal organization of the satellite workshops and tutorials (website, paper submission, invited talks, proceedings, all deadlines except registration) is entirely left up to their respective organizers. Participation in workshops and tutorials requires conference registration. IMPORTANT DATES Submission of Workshop/Tutorial Proposals is open now. We will receive applications until January 15th, 2016. The notification of acceptance will be given within two weeks of receiving the proposal. Workshop/Tutorial Information and/or submission proposal: workshops(a)xva.life<mailto:workshops@xva.life> WORKSHOP PROPOSALS The ALife XV workshops are intended to be forums to present and discuss new approaches, visions, or critical reflections within a research area. They provide an excellent opportunity to meet people with similar interests, to be exposed to cutting-edge research and to exchange ideas in an informal setting. The organizers of an accepted workshop are responsible for its coordination and its publicity (e.g., for sending out call for papers/abstracts), for collecting and reviewing the papers/abstracts, and for maintaining a webpage providing a list of accepted talks. The workshops are typically half day long. The format can be decided by the organizers who are encouraged to plan interactive sessions. TUTORIAL PROCESS ALife XV tutorials will be presented by domain experts to cover current topics relevant to artificial life researchers and practitioners. Each tutorial will be 3 hours long, then we encourage to include into the tutorial also demos and interactive activities. Accepted tutorial’s slide sets will be published on ALife XV website. SUBMISSION PROCESS Each tutorial/workshop proposal should include: 1) title of the workshop/tutorial 2) name(s) and affiliation(s) of the organizer(s)/inspector(s), with relative contact details 3) a short CV of the organizer(s)/instructor(s) 4) a brief description (half-page) of the workshop/tutorial topics Only for workshops: 5) potential target participants and audience 6) roughly approximated number of participants 7) rough estimate of the number of talks All proposals must be sent to: workshops(a)xva.life<mailto:workshops@xva.life> Looking forward to your submissions. Best wishes, Eduardo J. Izquierdo, ALife XV Workshop Chair Assistant Professor, Cognitive Science Program, Indiana University

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PhD Position: Modelling Spine Calcium Dynamics, University of Exeter
by Tsaneva-Atanasova, Krasimira Nov. 16, 2015

Nov. 16, 2015

PhD Position: Modelling Spine Calcium Dynamics, University of Exeter ----------------------------------------------------------- Based within the EPSRC Centre for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare at the University of Exeter, a £2M initiative bringing together mathematicians, statisticians and clinicians, you will work on a project aiming to investigate the mechanisms and hence understand the regulation of calcium transient dynamics (shown to be a critical trigger for synaptic plasticity) in dendritic spines. The project involves development and analysis of three-dimensional mathematical models using finite element methods. Therefore I am looking for candidates trained in quantitative fields whose interest has turned to the study of synaptic plasticity and calcium dynamics. This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP). The SWBio DTP is a BBSRC-funded PhD training programme in the biosciences, delivered by a consortium comprising the Universities of Bristol (lead), Bath, Cardiff and Exeter and Rothamsted Research. The SWBio DTP projects are designed to provide outstanding interdisciplinary training in a range of topics in World-Class Bioscience, underpinned by training in mathematics and complexity science. Each project is supervised by an interdisciplinary team of academic staff and will follow a structured training 4 year PhD model. In particular the project on "Modelling spine calcium dynamics: implications for synaptic plasticity" stems form a long-standing collaboration between Prof Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova (main supervisor, Exeter) and Dr Jack Mellor (co-supervisor, Bristol http://www.bris.ac.uk/synaptic/people/66711/) To Apply: Candidates with strong quantitative training (e.g. a BSc or MSc in Physics, Mathematics, Computational Neuroscience, Computer Science, or Engineering) and evidence of scientific achievement are invited to apply. Knowledge of neuroscience is a plus. Please apply using the following link: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=1977 ----------------------------------------------------------- Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences University of Exeter Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QF, UK tel: +44 (0) 1392 723615 email: k.tsaneva-atanasova(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk> web: http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298 ALTEREGO - Enhancing Social Interaction with an AlterEgo artificial agent http://www.euromov.eu/alterego/homepage

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Intracranial Human Electrophysiology Postdoctoral Position, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
by Ghuman, Avniel Nov. 16, 2015

Nov. 16, 2015

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position using intracranial recordings in humans to study the neural basis of face recognition and social and affective perception, at the University of Pittsburgh, USA. The research will focus on understanding the dynamic neural code that underlies the recognition of faces, bodies, facial expressions, and other social and affective stimuli. Of particular interest is how this information is coded in interactive neural circuits at the level of large-scale brain networks. The neural data will primarily be local field potentials/ event related potential from intracranial surface electrodes (electrocorticography, ECoG), cortical depth electrodes, and subcortical depth electrodes in humans. Multivariate techniques and advanced signal processing will be applied to the millisecond-scale activity recorded simultaneously from multiple electrodes in areas related to social processing while participants perform social and affective perception tasks. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering or a related field. Advanced skills in signal processing, multivariate statistics, machine learning and/or computational neuroscience are required. Experience with multivariate analysis of neural data is required and experience with electrophysiological data is desirable. Applicants should have a strong track record of publication. The position is fully funded. The initial period is 1 year with additional years depending on fit and progress. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, a CV, and the names and contact information for 3 researchers who can provide a recommendation. For further information or to submit an application, please contact Avniel Ghuman, Ph.D. at ghumana(a)upmc.edu . The position is available immediately and applications will be considered until the position is filled.

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6th GDR multielectrode meeting in Grenoble/Autrans (Jan 5-8, 2016): Deadline extended to Nov 30
by Blaise Yvert Nov. 15, 2015

Nov. 15, 2015

Dear Colleagues, This is the second call for registration and submission for the next GDR multielectrode meeting that will take place in Grenoble (school) and Autrans (conference) on Jan 5-8, 2016. We already received many registrations, so it is going to be a great meeting! We would like to let you know here that Daniel Shulz, Editor in Chief of The Journal of Physiology (Paris) has proposed the possibility of publishing the lectures given during the meeting as a special collection in the Journal of Physiology Paris produced by Elsevier. Oral presenters will thus have the opportunity to submit a paper related to the topic of their presentation for consideration for this special issue. As a consequence, we have decided to extend the registration and submission deadline to Nov 30. IMPORTANT: It will not be possible to extend further this deadline. Indeed, all accommodation organization should be finalized early December. Hence, if you did not register yet, please do so very quickly to help this being possible. You will find all useful information on the conference website : http://gdr2904grenoble.sciencesconf.org/. Also, when registering, please be so kind as to select in priority a double room option, especially for students and young scientists. Indeed, extremely few single rooms are available. Hence, at the moment, we have put on hold all single-room requests as we cannot satisfy all of them. You may indicate the name of the person you would like to share the room with on the registration page. Thank you so much for your understanding. As a reminder, here are the different steps of the registration procedure : 1) Go and fill in the registration webpage : http://gdr2904grenoble.sciencesconf.org/register 2) You will receive a first pre-registration confirmation email 3) After your pre-registration has been validated, you will then receive a new email asking to choose for a payment method 4) Then follow the link given in this email to go back to the meeting page and choose a payment option (for instance purchase order) 5) Send PO or payment to the address indicated on the page Abstract submissions are independent of conference registration and have to be made on a separate dedicated web page: http://gdr2904grenoble.sciencesconf.org/submission/submit Looking forward welcoming you in Grenoble and Autrans, Best regards, Blaise on behalf of the whole organizing committee. http://gdr2904grenoble.sciencesconf.org/ http://www.escandille.com -- Blaise Yvert, PhD. Inserm Research Director Clinatec Laboratory UA01 Biomedical Research Center Edmond J Safra CEA-INSERM-UJF-CHU Grenoble Minatec Campus 17 rue des Martyrs 38054 Grenoble cedex 09 Tel. +33 4 38 78 91 38 / +33 6 32 88 75 90 Fax. +33 4 38 78 53 55 http://www.clinatec.fr (under construction)

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Graduate Training at the University of Chicago
by Sliman Bensmaia Nov. 13, 2015

Nov. 13, 2015

Apply for *graduate training in neuroscience <http://neuroscience.uchicago.edu/graduate-training/>* at the University of Chicago, where a large *neuroscience faculty <http://neuroscience.uchicago.edu/faculty>* provides stimulating research opportunities at levels ranging from genes and molecules to computation and human behavior, in laboratories distributed across eight departments in the biological, social, and physical sciences. *Applications <http://neuroscience.uchicago.edu/graduate-training/graduate-training-list-p…> for entry in the Fall of 2016 are now being accepted, with a deadline of December 1, 2015. * Graduate training is organized into three programs with different emphases. For information about each program and how to apply, follow the links: - The *Program in Neurobiology <http://neuroscience.uchicago.edu/graduate-training/neurobiology-apply/> *covers a broad spectrum of subfields, including molecular and developmental neurobiology, cellular and synaptic electrophysiology and imaging, and neurobiology of disease. - The *Program in Computational Neuroscience <http://neuroscience.uchicago.edu/graduate-training/computational-neuroscien…>* emphasizes quantitative approaches to experimental neuroscience, including mathematical methods and computational modeling of the nervous system. - The *Integrative Neuroscience Program <https://socialsciences.uchicago.edu/admissions>* focuses on the biological basis of complex behaviors. -- ________________________________________________________ Sliman Bensmaia Associate Professor Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy University of Chicago 773.834.5203 http://bensmaialab.org ________________________________________________________

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University of Sussex 4-year PhD Programme in Neuroscience
by Miguel Maravall Rodriguez Nov. 12, 2015

Nov. 12, 2015

Dear all, Please find below this year's announcement for our PhD Programme in Neuroscience at the University of Sussex. Please distribute to interested students - we are very interested in applications from students with quantitative (physical sciences/computing/math) backgrounds. Thank you Regards, Miguel Maravall University of Sussex 4-year PhD Programme in Neuroscience Sussex Neuroscience is now inviting applications for September 2016 entry to our funded PhD Programme, which includes a first year of laboratory rotations and taught modules. These support a transition into neuroscience from other science disciplines such as physics and computing, and provide students with the opportunity to both broaden and deepen their experience of different neuroscience fields and techniques. More than 30 supervisors are offering research projects across the following thematic areas: Circuits, Systems and Computational Neuroscience Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Translational and Clinical Neuroscience Consciousness Science Application Deadline: January 11th 2016 The Sussex campus is home to one of the largest neuroscience research communities in the UK, with strong interdisciplinary interactions between the biological and computational sciences. Our PhD Programme attracts some of the brightest students internationally. Home/EU fees are waived for all students, and a stipend is provided. We also offer financial support for students to attend conferences and additional training opportunities in the UK and overseas throughout their PhD. For further information about the 4-year PhD Programme and all of our postgraduate opportunities, please visit: www.sussex.ac.uk/sussexneuroscience/study<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/sussexneuroscience/study>

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Research Assistant - Impaired Consciousness at Cambridge
by Srivas Chennu Nov. 12, 2015

Nov. 12, 2015

-- This position provides an exciting opportunity to conduct novel research at the translational interface between clinical medicine and the neuroscience of consciousness at a world-leading clinical and academic environment. The post will be based within the Cambridge Research Into Impaired Consciousness (CRIC) group at the University of Cambridge ( http://www.wbic.cam.ac.uk/Members/cric/) The research will be a part of a study funded by the Evelyn Trust, and led by Dr. Srivas Chennu, the Senior Research Associate in the group (http://www.wbic.cam.ac.uk/Members/sc672/) It will involve on-site assessments of those in vegetative and minimally conscious states using non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG). These assessments will pilot the clinical deployment of the latest advances in the neuroscience of human consciousness. Drawing upon these advances, neuroscientists at Cambridge have developed bedside tools to aid more accurate assessments of such patients. The researcher will be involved in one of the first systematic studies to use such tools to assess and follow-up patients at regular intervals to monitor the recovery of brain networks and cognitive function. The role will also involve interaction with clinical neurorehabilitation experts. The findings from this research are expected to be published in leading academic journals, and aims to generate the necessary evidence for integration with clinical service delivery and exploitation of commercialisation potential. Salary range: £24,775 - £28,695 Location: Cambridge, UK Fixed-term: until 30th September 2018 in the first instance. Closing date for application: 4 December 2015 For more details and to make an application, please go to: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/8586/ --

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POSTDOCTORAL POSITION AVAILABLE
by Miren Itsaso Olasagasti Rodriguez Nov. 12, 2015

Nov. 12, 2015

We have a postdoc position available at the Auditory Language Group<https://sites.google.com/site/auditorylanguagegroup/home> led by Prof. Giraud at the University of Geneva (Switzerland) to explore the link between predictive coding and cortical oscillations in speech processing. The project reaches beyond one sensory modality to ask a question of broad interest to basic neuroscience, namely, the role of oscillations in information transfer in the brain. We are looking for a candidate to work on the computational side of the project who would also work closely with the experimental team (EEG, MEG, ECoG). The computational part aims at understanding the role of oscillations through their modeling in physiologically plausible spiking neural networks and would build on previous work from the lab (Hyafil, A., Fontolan, L., Kabdebon, C., Gutkin, B., & Giraud, A.-L. (2015). Speech encoding by coupled cortical theta and gamma oscillations. eLife, 4, 1-23. http://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06213) We specially favor computational models built on a strong neurophysiological basis informed by experimental findings. The team includes researchers with backgrounds in neurophysiology, psychology, physics and engineering and it's part of the Biotech campus<http://www.campusbiotech.ch/en/> and the Geneva NeuroscienceCenter<http://neurocenter.unige.ch/>. Applicants should send a CV, statement of research interest, and two reference contacts to Anne-Lise.Giraud(a)unige.ch Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Start date: january-april 2016. Contract Duration: 2/3 years.

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2016 Nengo Summer School - Applications Open
by Peter Blouw Nov. 10, 2015

Nov. 10, 2015

Hello! [All details about this school can be found online at http://www.nengo.ca/summerschool] The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo is inviting applications for our 3rd annual summer school on large-scale brain modeling. This two-week school will teach participants how to use the Nengo software package to build state-of-the-art cognitive and neural models to run in simulation and on neuromorphic hardware. Nengo has been used to build what is currently the world's largest functional brain model, Spaun [1], and provides users with a versatile and powerful environment for designing cognitive and neural systems to run in simulated and real environments. We welcome applications from all interested graduate students, research associates, postdocs, professors, and industry professionals. No specific training in the use of modeling software is required, but we encourage applications from active researchers with a relevant background in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, robotics, neuromorphic engineering, computer science, or a related field. For a look at last year's summer school, check out this short video: https://goo.gl/wy4dNC [1] 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://nengo.ca/publications/spaunsciencepaper] ****Application Deadline: February 15, 2016**** *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 will be held on the last day of the school, with prizes for strong projects! *Topics Covered*: Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to: - build perceptual, motor, and sophisticated 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 various kinds of neuromorphic hardware (e.g. SpiNNaker) - interface Nengo with cameras and robotic systems - implement modern nonlinear control methods in neural models - and much more… *Date and Location*: June 5th to June 17th, 2016 at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. *Applications*: Please visit http://www.nengo.ca/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 (pblouw(a)uwaterloo.ca) We look forward to hearing from you!

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Announcing the first NESTML community workshop
by Jochen Martin Eppler Nov. 10, 2015

Nov. 10, 2015

Announcing the first community workshop on NESTML, the novel modelling language to create neuron models for the NEST simulator for spiking neuronal networks (nest-simulator.org) Abstract ^^^^^^^^ Currently, neuron and synapse models in NEST are written as C++ classes. These classes implement the simulator API for updating the neuronal dynamics, sending and receiving events, and auxiliary tasks such as initialization, recording of internal variables, calibration and handling of parameters. As the model code is hand-written and often created by copy and paste, this method is prone to errors and hinders the programmatic re-use of components such as neuronal dynamics, post-synaptic responses and synaptic plasticity mechanisms. Moreover, as many neuroscientists are not experts in C++, the process of creating models is often seen as complicated and in many cases the resulting model implementations are not optimal with respect to performance, consistency and testability. To ease writing models for NEST and improve the general quality of the code, we have created the NEST Modelling Language. NESTML comprises a language specification to describe neuron models in terms of neuroscience concepts and a set of tools to generate efficient C++ code for NEST from this description. During the workshop, we will give a general introduction to model creation for NEST and an in-depth introduction to the concepts and application of NESTML. In hands-on sessions the participants have the opportunity to write their own models in NESTML with the assistance of experienced tutors. The feedback collected in a dedicated session will be used to shape the future design and development of NESTML. Target Audience ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The workshop aims at students and researchers in computational neuroscience who want to create their own neuron models in NEST. Some understanding of programming and experience with one of the simulators NEST, NEURON, or Brian will be helpful, but are not strictly required. Location and date ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The workshop will take place at the Chair of Software Engineering (se-rwth.de) of RWTH Aachen University from Monday, December 7 to Wednesday, December 9, 2015. Details and registration Workshop attendance is possible free of charge. However, in order to be able to plan rooms, lunches and coffee breaks, we require registration. For details and enrolment, visit www.fz-juelich.de/ias/jsc/nestml-ws. With best regards, Jochen! -- Dr. Jochen Martin Eppler Phone: +49 2461 61-9471 ---------------------------------- Simulation Laboratory Neuroscience Jülich Supercomputing Centre Institute for Advanced Simulation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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2x Postdoctoral Research Assistants in Knowledge Representation and Information Theory applied to fNIRS
by Felipe Nov. 10, 2015

Nov. 10, 2015

*2x Postdoctoral Research Assistants in Knowledge Representation and Information Theory applied to fNIRS* Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Óptica y Electrónica (INAOE) – Dept. of Computer Science *About the positions* The Department of Computer Science at INAOE in Puebla, Mexico, invites applications for 2 two years full-time postdoctoral research assistant positions in the field of functional optical neuroimaging interpretation. Initial contract will be short-term according to institutional internal regulations extensible up to 2 years as the candidate demonstrate his/her suitability for the position and maintains his performance and productivity. You will be working under the supervision of Dr. Felipe Orihuela-Espina. You will be expected to publish in high impact factor journals as well as in top conferences of the area. You will also be expected to contribute and help, not only to the project but also to the research and teaching carried out in the lab and the department in general. You will also help with PhD student supervision. You might further be asked to help with administrative tasks related to this or related projects including but not limited to report generation and generation of new grant applications. All the former has to be delivered punctually against tight deadlines. This description of tasks might not be exhaustive. Salary is regulated by CONACYT’s project administration manual <http://www.conacyt.mx/images/conacyt/fondos/sectoriales/Fondos_ManualAdmini…>. *About the project* Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an emerging neuroimaging modality available for understanding brain behaviour for which current analysis and interpretation methods were often inherited and adapted from other neuroimaging modalities such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This migration of methods is never trivial or without compromises. This 3 years $2M MXN project explores alternative analysis and interpretation algorithms and techniques specifically developed for fNIRS which can answer complex questions about cognitive activity while considering and exploiting fNIRS specific particularities. More specifically, these positions aim at: (i)(/_Position Key: fNIRS-2016-01-KR_/) Exploring the use of knowledge representation techniques as a base for streamlining fNIRS experimentation, analysis and interpretation. Research tasks include, but are not limited to, the construction of conceptual maps defining experimental elements in fNIRS, the proposition of an initial ontology capturing fNIRS experimentation and the testing of different reasoning techniques over the ontology. (ii)(/_Position Key: fNIRS-2016-02-IT_/) Exploring the suitability of information theory metrics for expressing brain connectivity from fNIRS. Research tasks include, but are not limited to, developing semi-virtual registration approaches, strong validation proofs, mathematical development of metrics and pseudometrics for expressing brain connectivity. The solutions resulting from this project will be evaluated in applications of surgical neuroergonomics for the study of learning and training of new surgeons, as well as in virtual rehabilitation for the observation of neuroplastic changes associated to the therapy administration. To obtain further details of the project, please check contact details below. *About the candidate* Applications are sought in optical neuroimaging analysis and interpretation, with particular emphasis on the following topics: -Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) -Knowledge Representation -Information Theory -Mathematical Topology -Statistics and experimental design -Medical Physics Outstanding researchers in neuroimaging modalities other than fNIRS, but whose work is closely related with the current research project will be also considered. *Requisites*: ·Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline (e.g. computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering) and have obtained this no more than 5 years before the starting date of the appointment. ·You will be fluent in English. Spanish is welcomed but not strictly necessary. ·You will have excellent communication skills (oral and written) linked with an excellent publication record. ·You must have the potential to do pioneering research and to teach effectively. ·You will have outstanding demonstrable coding expertise with numerical and symbolic packages (preferably Matlab) ·You will have to be able to carry out research without supervision, and being able carry out collaborative research. ·You will be able to deliver quality work following tight project deadlines. ·If not Mexican, you will need work permit according to Mexican laws. An conditional invitation letter can be produced upon offering the job to support your application for work permit. ·Other administrative and legal demands may have to be fulfilled to abide Mexican laws and institutional regulations. *About the institution, the department and the laboratory* INAOE is one of the top ranked research institutions in Mexico according to the international SCIMAGO institutions rankings. Created in 1971 following the research inheritance from the National Observatory of Astrophysics, INAOE is one of the national network of research centers from CONACYT. The Computer Science Department at INAOE is one of the leading research departments in computer science in Mexico with 23 full-time researchers; 95% recognized by the National Researchers System (SNI) in Mexico and over 40% on the top levels. We offer Master and PhD degrees and all our students benefit from a scholarship. The department has 7 strong research groups also called laboratories in robotics, machine learning, natural language processing, vision, high performance computing, ubiquitous computing and networks, and the biosignal and medical applications. The biosignal and medical applications laboratory develops several lines of research including neuroimaging processing and analysis, affective and persuasive computing, virtual neurorehabilitation and geomedicine. It is the proud pioneer in Mexico regarding emotion recognition from speech which generated the first spin up business from INAOE. It has recently been granted about $5M MXN infrastructure funds for strengthening the neuroimaging research line. *About the application process* To submit your application, please send by e-mail the following information in English to the contact below. ·CV in free style including academic trajectory and full publication record, and clear contact e-mail. ·A 5 pg maximum (11pt) statement explaining why you are the best candidate for the position and initial solution ideas. Please clearly indicate the position key (see above) for which you are applying for. ·2 reference letters and the corresponding contact for referees. Please note, they might be contact for further information about the candidate. The application process might involve one or more interviews, and demonstration of skills by means of a probatory task. Although we will try to answer all applications, if you haven’t heard from us within 3 weeks from your submission date please consider that your application has been unsuccessful. The positions are available as from the 3^rd of January 2016 but earlier or later incorporations might be considered. The positions will be opened until suitable candidates are found. *Contact*: For further details about the project and how to apply and latest updates about the job offer, please visit: http://ccc.inaoep.mx/~f.orihuela-espina/Src/Jobs.php You will be working under the supervision of Dr. Felipe Orihuela-Espina. e-mail: f.orihuela-espina(a)ccc.inaoep.mx

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Workshop on Cognitive Development for Friendly Robots and Rehabilitation
by Giulio Sandini Nov. 9, 2015

Nov. 9, 2015

International Workshop on Cognitive Development for Friendly Robots and Rehabilitation International Symposium on Cognitive Neuroscience Robotics Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Via Morego 30, Genoa (Italy) 2-3 December 2015 We are glad to invite you to a two-days workshop on human cognitive development and its implications for Robotics and Rehabilitation. The participation in the workshop is free of charge, but it requires a registration for organizational purposes. The detailed program and the registration form<https://www.codefror.eu/events> can be found at the workshop's website: https://www.codefror.eu/events. Deadline for registration and abstract's submission is 25th of November. The event is jointly organized by the European project CODEFROR: COgnitive Development for Friendly RObots and Rehabilitation and the "JSPS Core to Core program: Competitive Partnership on Cognitive Neuroscience Robotics. CODEFROR is an EU project within the "International Research Staff Exchange Scheme" (FP7-MSCA-PIRSES-2013-612555), which investigates aspects of human cognitive development with the dual goal of developing robots able to interact with humans in a friendly way and of designing and testing protocols for rehabilitation of disabled children. Partners in the project are the Italian Institute of Technology, the Universities of Bielefeld in Germany, Osaka and Tokyo in Japan. The webpage of the project is: https://www.codefror.eu/. The program of the workshop consists of two days of presentations by invited speakers spanning from cognitive robotics, human cognition, human-robot interaction, robotic and sensory rehabilitation, prosthesis, surgical robotics, computational neuroscience. The impact of research and technological solutions on social needs and, more specifically, on rehabilitation and support of persons with disabilities will be central to the workshop. If you are interested in presenting your work at the poster session, please specify it in the registration form and submit a 300 words abstract. Deadline for registration and abstract's submission is 25th of November. You will be notified of poster acceptance soon after. Among the speakers:- Minoru Asada, Yukie Nagai and Takashi Fujikado (Osaka University), Jochen Steil and Friederike Eyssel (Bielefeld University), Rajesh Rao, (University of Washington), Gabriel Baud-Bovy, Cristina Becchio, Fabio Benfenati, Luca Brayda, Leonardo De Mattos, Monica Gori, Hagen Leman, Pietro Morasso, Giulio Sandini (IIT). For any enquiry or further information, please refer to the workshop webpage: https://www.codefror.eu/events or contact Maria Carmela Fierro (conference(a)codefror.eu<mailto:conference@codefror.eu> ).

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Journal track submission for ECML-PKDD 2016 is *open now*
by Olana Missura Nov. 9, 2015

Nov. 9, 2015

The journal track submission for ECML-PKDD 2016 is open now. The journal track allows continuous submissions from the end of September 2015 to March 2016. There are two cutoffs per month on which we distribute papers to reviewers with the first one being the 27th of September 2015 and the last one being the 30th of March 2016. Details on the conference and the submission process are available at http://www.ecmlpkdd2016.org/submission.html Best regards, Olana Missura Publicity Chair of ECML-PKDD 2016

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CALL FOR PAPERS BigData4Healthcare, deadline: November 29.
by Youssef Iraqi Nov. 9, 2015

Nov. 9, 2015

Apologies if you receive multiple copies of this message. ________________________________________________________________ CALL FOR PAPERS BigData4Healthcare, deadline: November 29. 1st International Workshop on Big Data Analytics for Healthcare and Well-being 2016 January 18, 2016, Hong Kong, China http://sigai.or.kr/workshop/bigcomp/2016/big-data-for-healthcare/ In conjunction with the 3rd International Conference on Big Data and Smart Computing (BigComp) 2016 http://conf2016.bigcomputing.org/main/ Purpose and Scope Healthcare and well-being is an important area of research in many countries as one of the emerging application domains for both big data and smart computing. This workshop aims to create opportunities to share on-going works and enhance collaboration among healthcare researchers related to big data or data science, and to foster new innovations of big data and smart computing in the areas of mobile healthcare, smart homes, digital cities, innovations in healthcare and sensing devices, and other related areas. Prospective authors are cordially invited to submit their original contributions covering completed or ongoing work related to the area of big data analytics for healthcare and well-being. The topics include but are not limited to: - Smart health and big data - Data mining, graph mining and data science for healthcare - Big data analytics and social media for healthcare - Smart devices and hardware for healthcare - Smart location-based services for healthcare - Models and tools for smart computing in healthcare - Innovations in healthcare and sensing devices - Security and privacy for big data in healthcare - Cloud and grid computing for healthcare - Standards for big data in healthcare PAPER SUBMISSION Perspective authors are invited to submit their papers, up to 8 pages each, in the IEEE paper template. Papers must be formatted in PDF according to the IEEE two-column format for conference proceedings and submitted through EasyChair, http://www.easychair.org/. The direct link for paper submission is https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=bigdata4healthcare IMPORTANT DATES Paper Submission Due: November 29, 2015 (23:59, HKT) Notification of Acceptance: December 6, 2015 Camera ready Papers: December 13, 2015 Workshop: January 18, 2016 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITTEE Workshop Chairs: Youssef Iraqi, Dept. of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Khalifa University, UAE Ho-Jin Choi, School of Computing, KAIST, Korea Min Song, Dept. of Library & Information, Yonsei University, Korea TPC Members: Ae Ran Kim, College of Nursing, Seoul National University, Korea Amjad Gawanmeh, Dept. of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Khalifa University, UAE Byeong-Soo Jeong, Dept. of Computer Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Korea Changseok Bae, SW.Content Research Laboratory, ETRI, Korea Ahsan Khandoker, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University, UAE Hani Saleh, Dept. of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Khalifa University, UAE Gwan-Su Yi, Dept. of Bio & Brain Engineering, KAIST, Korea Harish Bhaskar, Dept. of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Khalifa University, UAE Hyeoun-Ae Park, College of Nursing, Seoul National University, Korea Kyuchang Kang, SW.Content Research Laboratory, ETRI, Korea Tae-Min Song, Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, Korea Yong-Ik Yoon, Dept. of Multimedia Science, SookMyung Women’s University, Korea Yu-Chae Jung, Dept. of Multimedia Science, SookMyung Women’s University, Korea Nan Xiang, Dept. of Computer Science, Chongqing University of Technology, China Lingyun Zhu, Dept. of Internet of Things, Chongqing University of Technology, China Yong Wang, Dept. of Network Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, China Youssef Iraqi Associate Professor Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Khalifa University of Science, Technology & Research (KUSTAR) PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE T +971 (0)2 501 8323 F +971 (0)2 447 2441 Youssef.Iraqi(a)kustar.ac.ae

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Postdoctoral position - two photon imaging
by Simon Schultz Nov. 9, 2015

Nov. 9, 2015

Please note that applications for this position close on Thursday 12th November Salary Range: £33,860 - £42,830 per annum South Kensington Campus Full time, fixed-term until the 30th November 2018 The Centre for Neurotechnology forms part of the cross-departmental Institute of Biomedical Engineering at Imperial College London. The Centre, in association with the Department of Bioengineering, hosts world-class experimental facilities for research at the interface between neuroscience and engineering. The Centre has recently initiated a philanthropically funded project on the application of biomedical engineering principles to understand how the progression of Alzheimer's disease affects information processing in cortical circuits, and test new therapeutic interventions. Applications are invited for the above post to work with Dr Simon Schultz on in vivo two photon imaging of calcium signals in the dendrites of neocortical pyramidal cells. The aim of this work is to understand how synaptic integration changes during the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and to test the effects on dendrites of new therapeutic strategies being developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's. Candidates must have a doctoral degree or equivalent in neuroscience, physics, engineering, or similar. Prior experience with two photon imaging or whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology in a neuroscience context is a requirement. Preference will be given to candidates with both a strong experimental background, and experience in quantitative neurophysiological data analysis. This post will be based at the South Kensington Campus. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Simon Schultz, email: s.schultz(a)imperial.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted Please see the job advertisement here: http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/553791-research-associate-two… or by searching for position EN20150347FH on the Imperial College jobs page: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/job-applicants/ -- Simon R Schultz Reader in Neurotechnology & Royal Society Industry Fellow Neural Coding Laboratory: http://www.schultzlab.org Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK Director, Imperial College Centre for Neurotechnology Administrator: Dr Kate Hobson, Phone: +44 207 594 5101 http://www.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology EU Neural Engineering Marie Curie ITN: http://www.neural-engineering.eu

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[meetings] Living Machines V: First Call for Papers, Satellite Events and Sponsors
by Nathan F Lepora Nov. 9, 2015

Nov. 9, 2015

First Call for Papers, Satellite Events and Sponsors Living Machines V: The 5th International Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems 18th to 22nd July 2015 http://csnetwork.eu/livingmachines To be hosted at the: Dynamic Earth Edinburgh, Scotland In association with the Heriot-Watt University and University of Edinburgh Accepted papers will be published in: Springer Lecturer Notes in Artificial Intelligence Submission deadline March 11th, 2016 ______________________________________________________________ ABOUT LIVING MACHINES 2016 The development of future real-world technologies will depend strongly on our understanding and harnessing of the principles underlying living systems and the flow of communication signals between living and artificial systems. Biomimetics is the development of novel technologies through the distillation of principles from the study of biological systems. The investigation of biomimetic systems can serve two complementary goals. First, a suitably designed and configured biomimetic artefact can be used to test theories about the natural system of interest. Second, biomimetic technologies can provide useful, elegant and efficient solutions to unsolved challenges in science and engineering. Biohybrid systems are formed by combining at least one biological component—an existing living system—and at least one artificial, newly-engineered component. By passing information in one or both directions, such a system forms a new hybrid bio-artificial entity. The theme of the conference also encompasses biomimetic methods for manufacture, repair and recycling inspired by natural processes such as reproduction, digestion, morphogenesis and metamorphosis. The following are some examples of “Living Machines” as featured at past conferences: • Biomimetic robots and their component technologies (sensors, actuators, processors) that can intelligently interact with their environments. • Active biomimetic materials and structures that self-organize and self-repair. • Nature-inspired designs and manufacturing processes. • Biomimetic computers—neuromimetic emulations of the physiological basis for intelligent behaviour. • Biohybrid brain-machine interfaces and neural implants. • Artificial organs and body-parts including sensory organ-chip hybrids and intelligent prostheses. • Organism-level biohybrids such as robot-animal or robot-human systems. ACTIVITIES The main conference will take the form of a three-day single-track oral and poster presentation program, 20th to 22nd July 2016, hosted at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, Scotland. The conference program will include five plenary lectures from leading international researchers in biomimetic and biohybrid systems, and the demonstrations of state-of-the-art living machine technologies The full conference will be preceded by up to two days of Satellite Events hosted by the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh. SUBMITTING TO LIVING MACHINES 2016 We invite both full papers and extended abstracts in areas related to the conference themes. All contributions will be refereed and accepted papers will appear in the Living Machines 2016 proceedings which we expect to be published in the Springer-Verlag LNAI Series. Full papers (minimum 8 pages, up to 12 pages) are invited from researchers at any stage in their career and should present significant findings and advances in biomimetic or biohybid research. More preliminary work would be better suited for short papers submission (minimum 4 pages, with a maximum of ten references and no more than three self-citations). Full papers will be accepted for either oral presentation (single track) or poster presentation. Extended abstracts will be accepted for poster presentation only. Authors of the best full papers will be invited to submitted extended versions of their paper for publication in a special issue of the Taylor & Francis journal Connection Science. SATELLITE EVENTS Active researchers in biomimetic and biohybrid systems are invited to propose topics for 1-day or 2-day tutorials, symposia or workshops on related themes to be held 18-19th July at the School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh. Events can be scheduled on either the 18th or the 19th or across both days. Attendance at satellite events will attract a small fee intended to cover the costs of the meeting. There is a lot of flexibility about the content, organisation, and budgeting for these events. Please contact us if you are interested in organising a satellite event! EXPECTED DEADLINES March 11th, 2016 Paper submission deadline April 29th, 2016 Notification of acceptance May 16th, 2016 Camera ready copy July 18-22 2016 Conference SPONSORSHIP Living Machines 2016 is part-sponsored by the Convergent Science Network (CSN) for Biomimetics and Neurotechnology. CSN is an EU FP7 Future Emerging Technologies Co-ordination Activity that also organises two highly successful workshop series: the Barcelona Summer School on Brain, Technology and Cognition (https://bcbt.upf.edu/bcbt15) and the Capocaccia Neuromorphic Cognitive Engineering Workshop (https://capocaccia.ethz.ch/capo/wiki/2015) The 2016 Living Machines conference will also be hosted and co-sponsored by Heriot-Watt University. Call for Sponsors. Other organisations wishing to sponsor the conference in any way and gain the corresponding benefits by promoting themselves and their products to through conference publications, the conference web-site, and conference publicity are encouraged to contact the conference organisers to discuss the terms of sponsorship and necessary arrangements. We offer a number of attractive and good-value packages to potential sponsors. ABOUT THE VENUE Living Machines 2016 will be hosted at Dynamic Earth (http://www.dynamicearth.co.uk) a 5 star visitor attraction in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic old town, next door the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace. Dynamic Earth is a visitor experience that invites you to take a journey through time to witness the story of planet Earth. Through a series of interactive exhibits, state of the art technology and even a 4D encounter you will feel the heat of a bubbling volcano, face the chill of polar ice, fly across the globe before crash landing in a tropical rainforest. Attendees at the conference will receive a discount voucher to visit the Dynamic Earth exhibit. Workshops will be held at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics in George Square, a short walk from Edinburgh city centre. Organising Committee: Mark Desmulliez, Heriot Watt University (Co-chair) Tony Prescott, University of Sheffield (Co-chair) Nathan Lepora, University of Bristol (Programme Chair) Michael Mangar, University of Edinburgh (Satellite Events Chair) Anna Mura, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Communications) Paul Verschure, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (International Steering Committee) -- Dr N Lepora Phone: 07859 024565 Website: www.lepora.com Honorary Research Fellow, Sheffield Centre for Robotics (SCentRo) University of Sheffield S10 2TP Lecturer in Robotics, Department of Engineering Mathematics and Bristol Robotics Laboratory University of Bristol BS8 1UB

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joint faculty positions (1) neural engineering, 2) computational neuroscience and 3) health data science) at HKUST
by I-ming HSING Nov. 9, 2015

Nov. 9, 2015

Dear Colleagues, The Division of Biomedical Engineering at HKUST has several joint appointment faculty positions at neural engineering and system neuroscience, computational neuroscience and health data science. Please refer to the job posting details as below. Best, I-Ming Job Posting Details The Division of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is looking for outstanding candidates for substantiation-track junior faculty positions in the following strategic areas: (1) Neural Engineering and System Level Neuroscience Applicants should possess a PhD degree in a relevant field. The ideal candidate should have an outstanding research experience in experimental measurements of the neural correlates of perception/action and/or decision-making in awake behaving organisms, e.g., small vertebrates or invertebrates. (2) Computational Neuroscience Applicants should possess a PhD degree in a relevant field with a demonstrated excellence in mathematical and computational analyses of the neural circuits, encoding strategies, or neural architectures underlying behavior. The ideal candidate is expected to build connections between empirical domains of neuroscience, neural engineering and autonomous systems. (3) Health Data Science Applicants should possess a PhD degree in a relevant field with demonstrated research strength of handling and interpreting large health/biological/chemical compound datasets, specializing in data analytics, computational immunology, or discovering vaccines and drugs. The successful candidates will be jointly appointed by the Division of Biomedical Engineering and an academic Department/Division in the School of Engineering or the School of Science. They are expected to lead an independent research group, produce high quality interdisciplinary research, attract external grants, and contribute to teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Information about the Division of Biomedical Engineering, the School of Engineering and the School of Science is available at http://bme.ust.hk/, http://www.seng.ust.hk/ & http://science.ust.hk/ respectively. Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits include annual leave, medical and dental benefits. Housing benefits will also be provided where applicable. Initial appointment will normally be made on a 3-year contract, renewable subject to mutual agreement. A gratuity will be payable upon successful completion of contract. Application Procedure =================== Interested candidates are invited to send their application packages (including an updated CV, teaching and research statements, plus names of three dependent referees) by email to bmehire(a)ust.hk<mailto:bmehire@ust.hk>. Review of applications will start immediately and suitable candidates will be contacted for interviews. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. (Information provided by applicants will only be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes.) *************** I-Ming Hsing Head and Professor, Division of BioMedical Engineering (BME) Director, BioEngineering Graduate Program (BIEN) Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong Voice: 852 2358 7131, Fax: 852 3106 4857 Email: kehsing(a)ust.hk<mailto:kehsing@ust.hk> BME URL: http://bme.ust.hk<http://bme.ust.hk/> Group URL: http://ihome.ust.hk/~kehsing

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IEEE ICDL-EPIROB 2016, Sept. 19-22th, Cergy-Pontoise/Paris, France (submission April 1st)
by Arnaud Blanchard Nov. 7, 2015

Nov. 7, 2015

Call for Papers & Call for Tutorials and Special Sessions IEEE ICDL-EPIROB 2016 The Sixth Joint IEEE International Conference on Development and Learning and on Epigenetic Robotics Cergy-Pontoise / Paris, France September 19-22th, 2016 http://www.icdl-epirob.org <http://www.icdl-epirob.org/> == Conference description The past decade has seen the emergence of a new scientific field that studies how intelligent biological and artificial systems develop sensorimotor, cognitive and social abilities, over extended periods of time, through dynamic interactions with their physical and social environments. This field lies at the intersection of a number of scientific and engineering disciplines including Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Developmental Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Computational Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Robotics. Various terms have been associated with this new field such as Autonomous Mental Development, Epigenetic Robotics, Developmental Robotics, etc., and several scientific meetings have been established. The two most prominent conference series of this field, the International Conference on Development and Learning (ICDL) and the International Conference on Epigenetic Robotics (EpiRob), are now joining forces for the sixth time and invite submissions for a joint conference in 2016, to explore and extend the interdisciplinary boundaries of this field. == Keynote speakers * Tamim Asfour (http://h2t.anthropomatik.kit.edu/english/21_66.php <http://h2t.anthropomatik.kit.edu/english/21_66.php>) * Karl Friston (http://www.fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk/~karl <http://www.fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk/~karl>) * Julie Grezes (http://iec-lnc.ens.fr/social-cognition-group/membres-100/faculty-177/grezes… <http://iec-lnc.ens.fr/social-cognition-group/membres-100/faculty-177/grezes…>) Others to be confirmed. == Call for Submissions We invite submissions for this exciting window into the future of developmental sciences. Submissions which establish novel links between brain, behavior and computation are particularly encouraged. == Topics of interest include (but are not limited to): * the development of perceptual, motor, cognitive, emotional, social, and communication skills in biological systems and robots; * embodiment; * general principles of development and learning; * interaction of nature and nurture; * sensitive/critical periods; * developmental stages; * grounding of knowledge and development of representations; * architectures for cognitive development and open-ended learning; * neural plasticity; * statistical learning; * reward and value systems; * intrinsic motivations, exploration and play; * interaction of development and evolution; * use of robots in applied settings such as autism therapy; * epistemological foundations and philosophical issues. Any of the topics above can be simultaneously studied from the neuroscience, psychology or modeling/robotic point of view. == Submissions will be accepted in several formats: 1. Full six-page paper submissions: Accepted papers will be included in the conference proceedings and will be selected for either an oral presentation or a featured poster presentation. Featured posters will have a 1 minute "teaser" presentation as part of the main conference session and will be showcased in the poster sessions. 2. Two-page poster abstract submissions: To encourage discussion of late-breaking results or for work that is not sufficiently mature for a full paper, we will accept 2-page abstracts. These submissions will NOT be included in the conference proceedings. Accepted abstracts will be presented during poster sessions. 3. Tutorials and workshops: We invite experts in different areas to organize either a tutorial or a workshop to be held on the first day of the conference. Tutorials are meant to provide insights into specific topics as well as overviews that will inform the interdisciplinary audience about the state-of-the-art in child development, neuroscience, robotics, or any of the other disciplines represented at the conference. A workshop is an opportunity to present a topic cumulatively. Workshop can be half- or full-day in duration including oral presentations as well as posters. Submission format: two pages. == Call for Tutorials and Workshops We invite experts in different areas to organize a tutorial or workshop, which will be held on the first day of the conference. Participants in tutorials and workshops are asked to register for the main conference. Tutorials are meant to provide insights into specific topics as well as overviews that will inform the interdisciplinary audience about the state-of-the-art in child development, neuroscience, robotics, or any of the other disciplines represented at the conference. A workshop is an opportunity to present a topic cumulatively. Workshop can be half- or full-day in duration including oral presentations as well as posters. Submissions (max. two pages) should be sent no later than April 1st, 2016 to: Sofiane Boucenna sofiane.boucenna(a)ensea.fr <mailto:sofiane.boucenna@ensea.fr> Alexandre Pitti alexandre.pitti(a)ensea.fr <mailto:alexandre.pitti@ensea.fr> including: * Title of tutorial or workshop; * Tutorial/workshop speaker(s), including short CVs/affiliations and other relevant information; * Concept of the tutorial/workshop; target audience or prerequisites. All proposals submitted will be subjected to a peer review process. == Important dates * April 1st, 2016, paper submission deadline * June 1st, 2016, author notification * July 1st, 2014, final version (camera ready) due * September 19th-22nd, 2014, conference == Program committee General chairs: * Minoru Asada Osaka (Japan). * Philippe Gaussier, Cergy-Pontoise (France). Program chairs: * Verena Hafner, Berlin (Germany) * Alexandre Pitti, Cergy-Pontoise (France) Bridge chairs: • David Cohen, Paris (France) • Mathew Schlesinger, Southern Illinois (USA) Publication chairs: * Sofiane Boucenna, Cergy-Pontoise (France) Publicity chairs: * Arnaud Blanchard, Cergy-Pontoise (France) * Manuel Lopes, Bordeaux (France) * Yulia Sandamirskaya, Bochum (Germany) Local chairs: * Pierre Andry, Cergy-Pontoise (France) * Nicolas Cuperlier, Cergy-Pontoise (France) Finance chairs: * Ghilès Mostafaoui, Cergy-Pontoise (France)

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CFP: VECPAR 2016 - High Performance Computing for Computational Science
by Carlos Ferreira Nov. 7, 2015

Nov. 7, 2015

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CALL FOR PAPERS 12th International Meeting on High-Performance Computing for Computational Science (VECPAR 2016) University of Porto, Porto, Portugal June 27 - 30, 2016 http://vecpar.fe.up.pt/2016/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT DATES: Deadline for submission: January 15th, 2016 notification of acceptance: March 3rd, 2016 camera ready version: April 25th, 2016, on easychair.org. The International Meeting on High Performance Computing for Computational Science (VECPAR) is the premier venue for presenting and discussing the latest research and practice in high end computer modeling and complex systems. VECPAR encourages submission of research contributions from academia, research laboratories and industry to address pressing issues in computational science resulting from applications of interest to society and hardware innovations. VECPAR'16, the 12th edition of the VECPAR series of conferences is organized by the University of Porto, Portugal, and will be held at the Department of Computer Science, School of Sciences. An award is planned for best student papers. Contributions are solicited in all areas of computational science and engineering (CS&E), including (but not limited to) the following topics: * Large scale Simulations in CS&E * Parallel and Distributed Computing * Parallel Algorithms * Numerical Algorithms on Multicore, GPUs and Emerging Architectures * Symbolic algorithms on Multicore, GPUs and Emerging Architectures * Support Tools and Environments * Scheduling and Load Balancing * Performance Analysis, Evaluation and Tuning You should make your submissions through EasyChair at: https://www.easychair.org/conferences/?conf=vecpar2016 Submitted papers must be formatted according to the rules of the Springer Series Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS): http://www.springer.com/computer/lncs?SGWID=0-164-6-793341-0 Please note that papers (for conference presentation) must not exceed 8 pages in length, using the LNCS format. Accepted papers will be distributed in electronic format to participants of VECPAR'16. Printed versions of the invited talks and a set of selected papers will be published by Springer in the series entitled Lecture Notes in Computer Science. Selected papers will be limited to 14 pages and will be judged based on relevance, significance, originality, correctness and clarity. More information about this process will be sent to interested authors after the conference. Carlos Ferreira [http://www2.isep.ipp.pt/assinatura_email/EMAIL_ISEP.png] ISEP | Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431 4249-015 Porto - PORTUGAL tel. +351 228 340 500 | fax +351 228 321 159 mail(a)isep.ipp.pt | www.isep.ipp.pt<http://www.isep.ipp.pt>

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PhD program in Brain & Cognitive Sciences at the University of Rochester
by Rajeev Raizada Nov. 6, 2015

Nov. 6, 2015

Graduate Training in Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Rochester The Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (BCS) at the University of Rochester offers opportunities for students interested in earning a doctoral degree in one of the most exciting fields of scientific endeavor. Particular areas of research strength include: language, perception and action, development and learning, concepts and categories, and decision-making. Full details can be found at: http://www.bcs.rochester.edu . Recent news about research done in the department can be found on its Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/UoR_BrainCogSci We seek outstanding candidates from a variety of backgrounds who seek a rigorous program of study and exceptional mentoring in research. All students admitted to the program are offered graduate fellowships that provide a full stipend and cover the costs of tuition and single plan health insurance. The Department has a number of new faculty with research programs focusing on cognitive neuroscience, development of language and cognition, language learning, theoretical and computational neuroscience, and visual neuroscience. Interested applicants can find details at http://www.bcs.rochester.edu/graduate/admission.html The closing date for applications for admission in Fall 2016 is January 4, 2016. Readers of the Comp-Neuro list may be particularly interested in work being done by the following faculty members: Ralf Haefner (computational neuroscience) https://www.bcs.rochester.edu/people/faculty/haefner_ralf/index.html Robbie Jacobs (computational cognition, Bayesian modeling) https://www.bcs.rochester.edu/people/faculty/jacobs_robert/index.html Jude Mitchell (neurophysiology, computational neuroscience) https://www.bcs.rochester.edu/people/faculty/mitchell_jude/index.html Steve Piantadosi (computational cognition, Bayesian modeling) http://colala.bcs.rochester.edu/people/piantadosi/ Rajeev Raizada (computational fMRI) http://raizadalab.org Neuroimaging facilities include a research-dedicated 3T Siemens MRI scanner at the Rochester Center for Brain Imaging (RCBI), and also state-of-the-art NIRS and EEG systems. More information can be found at http://www.rcbi.rochester.edu

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Graduate studies at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute
by Yael Niv Nov. 6, 2015

Nov. 6, 2015

The Graduate Program in Neuroscience at Princeton University offers a unique and intensive program of study spanning molecular, cellular, systems and cognitive neuroscience, followed by advanced research in a world-class Princeton laboratory. We seek highly motivated and creative students in our efforts to understand the brain. A listing of faculty affiliated with the program can be found online at www.princeton.edu/neuroscience<http://www.princeton.edu/neuroscience>, and below. Our doctoral program is flexible and individually-tailored, and we encourage students to pursue research with more than one faculty and across departmental boundaries. Applications for entry in the Fall of 2015 are now being accepted, with a deadline of December 1. For details, including contact information, please visit www.princeton.edu/neuroscience<http://www.princeton.edu/neuroscience>. Michael Berry - Neural computation in the retina William Bialek - Interface between physics and biology Lisa Boulanger - Neuronal functions of immune molecules Carlos Brody - Quantitative and behavioral neurophysiology Tim Buschman - Neural dynamics of cognitive control Jonathan Cohen - Neural bases of cognitive control Nathaniel Daw - Reward, learning and decision making Lynn Enquist - Neurovirology Liz Gavis - Neural development and mRNA localization in Drosophila Alan Gelperin - Learning, memory and olfaction Asif Ghazanfar - Neurobiology of primate social agents Elizabeth Gould - Neurogenesis and hippocampal function Michael Graziano - Sensorimotor integration Charles Gross - Functions of the cerebral cortex in behavior Uri Hasson - Temporal scales of neural processing Philip Holmes - Mathematical modeling John Hopfield - Computational neurobiology/biophysics Barry Jacobs - Brain monoamine neurotransmitters Sabine Kastner - Neural mechanisms for visual perception Carolyn McBride - Molecular and neural basis of behavioral evolution Mala Murthy - Neurophysiology of olfactory and auditory perception in Drosophila Coleen Murphy - Molecular mechanisms of aging Yael Niv - Reinforcement learning and decision making, computational psychiatry Ken Norman - Neural bases of episodic memory Jonathan Pillow - Neural information processing, machine learning, and statistical modeling of neural data Sebastian Seung - Structure and function of neural circuits Joshua Shaevits - Neural and behavioral dynamics in simple organisms David Tank - Neural circuit dynamics Jordan Taylor - Motor control and learning Alexander Todorov - Cognitive neuroscience of social cognition and behavior Nicholas Turk-Browne - Cognitive neuroscience of attention, perception and memory Samuel Wang - Dynamics and learning in neural circuits Ilana Witten - Neural circuits underlying reward and motivation

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Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, PhD Programme
by Peter Dayan Nov. 6, 2015

Nov. 6, 2015

Training in theoretical and computational neuroscience and machine learning. The Gatsby Unit is a centre for theoretical neuroscience and machine learning, focusing on unsupervised, semi-supervised and reinforcement learning, neural dynamics, population coding, Bayesian (Including nonparametric) statistics, kernel methods and applications of these to the analysis of perceptual processing, neural data and beyond. It provides a unique opportunity for a critical mass of theoreticians to interact closely with each other, and with other world-class research groups in related departments at UCL, including the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, with which we share a brand new building, and Computer Science, Functional Imaging, Physics, Physiology, Psychology, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Statistical Science, and with the cross-faculty Centre for Computational Statistics and Machine Learning. The Unit has openings for exceptional PhD candidates. Applicants should have a strong analytical background, a keen interest in neuroscience and/or machine learning and a relevant first degree, for example in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. The PhD programme lasts four years, including a first year of intensive instruction in techniques and research in theoretical neuroscience and machine learning. All students are fully funded, regardless of nationality. The Unit also welcomes applications from students with pre-secured funding or who are currently soliciting other scholarship/studentships. Gatsby PhD studentships cover the cost of tuition at the appropriate rate, and include a tax-free stipend of £20,500 per annum. Applications (including a CV, statement of research interests, and letters from three referees) for 2016/17 admission must be sent directly to the Gatsby Unit admissions(a)gatsby.ucl.ac.uk by midnight Greenwich Meantime (GMT) December 21st, 2015. If you would require a visa to attend an interview, if selected, then please contact us directly as soon as your application is complete and your referees have submitted their recommendations. Full details of our programme, and how to apply, are available at: http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/teaching/phd For further details of research interests please see http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/research.html and the individual faculty webpages at http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/members.html

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faculty positions in computational neuroscience, cognitive psychology, etc Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
by boris gutkin Nov. 6, 2015

Nov. 6, 2015

School of Psychology at the Faculty of Social Sciences Assistant Professor in Psychology (multiple positions) School of Psychology at the Faculty of Social Sciences National Research University Higher School of Economics Moscow, Russia The School of Psychology of the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Russia invites applications for full-time, tenure-track positions of Assistant Professor in psychology and related fields, notably in cognitive psychology, social and personality psychology, economic psychology, engineering psychology cognitive and computational neuroscience (including neuroeconomics). Applications for Associate and Full Professorships can also be considered in exceptional cases. Knowledge of Russian is not required as teaching is done in English. About HSE The HSE is a young, dynamic, fast-growing Russian research university. Over the past twenty years, the HSE has become one of Russia's largest universities in the fields of economics, social sciences and humanities, and has earned the reputation of a national leader in higher education. One of its unique features has been its direct involvement in socioeconomic reforms in Russia, which has allowed HSE to develop as a “project and research university” where education, fundamental and applied research, and "think tank" activities are combined for the comprehensive development of society. Committed to high-quality research, HSE now has over twenty international research laboratories, led by eminent professors from all over the world; more such laboratories are expected to be opened by early 2016. The Department of Psychology provides excellent research facilities for studies in experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience. We provide excellent opportunities to teach in English at BA and MS levels. Requirements Candidates must hold a recent Ph.D. in psychology, social sciences, neuroscience, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics or related fields, or be within a year of completion at the time of application. The successful candidate is expected to conduct high-quality research publishable in reputable peer-reviewed journals with research support provided by the university’s Centre for Advanced Studies. The appointments will be made for three years in the first instance, starting in September 2016, with reviews of teaching and research during the third year. Benefits The salary is competitive, indexed to inflation annually, and subject to a 13% flat income tax. The university offers health insurance (free of charge), language assistance, and other social benefits; travel support and other research assistance are generous. Since we have heavy emphasis placed on high quality research, the teaching load of newly hired faculty is relatively low and service is minimal. Application and Interviews Please provide a CV, a statement of research interest and a recent research paper via online application form. At least 2 letters of reference should be forwarded directly to the attention of the Psychology Review Committee at cas(a)hse.ru. The deadline for accepting application materials is December 04, 2015 . More information about the university and the Centre is available at the www.hse.ru/en, http://social.hse.ru/en/psy/ and www.cas.hse.ru For more information about research at the Theoretical Neuroscience Group please contact me directly. Boris Gutkin, PhD Research Director CNRS Group for Neural Theory Laboratoire des Neurosciences Cognitives, INSERM U 960 Department of Cognitive Studies Institute for the Study of Cognition Ecole Normale Superieure Paris. France boris.gutkin(a)ens.fr www.gnt.ens.fr

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Fully funded PhD position in: Machine learning in multi-variate data processing / integration and analysis for clinical diagnostics and prognostics
by Andrea Soltoggio Nov. 6, 2015

Nov. 6, 2015

*Fully funded PhD position in: Machine learning in multi-variate data processing / integration and analysis for clinical diagnostics and prognostics * A fully funded PhD position is available in a multi-disciplinary project between the School of Science and the School of Business and Economics, Loughborough University, UK, on the topic of machine learning in multi-variate data processing / integration and analysis for clinical diagnostics and prognostics. Loughborough University is ranked 11th in the 2016 UK League Table Ranking ( http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/loughborough/performance , and is located in Loughborough, a town well connected to London by a 1h20m journey by train. *Research. *The application of advanced analytical techniques to the discovery and implementation of human-borne Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) markers of interest requires large numbers of samples taken from a highly variable sampled population. Efficient progress in this enterprise is limited by the current limits on the speed and sophistication of the data processing and multivariate analysis of the analytical system outputs. This studentship will start the exploration of the boundary between advanced analytical science (sensory capability) and machine learning, including neural and deep learning. It will be part of what is intended to be an enduring collaboration between researchers in Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and Information Science. The supervisory team is composed of Dr. Andrea Soltoggio, expert in Artificial Intelligence and Neural Learning, and Dr. Martin Sykora, expert in Machine Learning, Data Mining and Big Data. The academic team supporting this project will include: Prof. C. L. Paul Thomas Chemistry, markers and detection Prof. Tom Jackson, Centre for Information Management, applied and theory based knowledge management Dr. Iain Phillips, Department of Computer Science, computer networks and high performance computing Dr. Eugenie Hunsicker, Department of Mathematics, statistical techniques *Working environment.* The student, based at the Computer Science Department http://www.cs.lboro.ac.uk, School of Science, will work and collaborate with diverse research groups: the Center for Analytical Science (Chemistry Department) with access to research of the Toxi-triage H2020 project (http://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/194860_en.html)) and the Center for Information Management (CIM) http://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/cim/. Loughborough University offers cutting-edge computing capabilities with a Hydra High Performance Computing cluster, a 1956-core 64-bit Intel Xeon cluster supplied by Bull, and GPUs computing capabilities. *Requirements.* The ideal candidate holds (or is about to obtain) a first-class honour undergraduate/postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Electrical or Electronic Engineering, or has authored publications in recognised conferences/journals. Independent working skills are valued as well as the capability of working in a team. Collegiality and interpersonal skills are essential. Excellent English language skills are highly desired (see requirements here http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/englang/index.htm) *Period/Scholarship.* Start: January 2016. Duration: 3 years. Scholarship: £14,057 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate (currently £4,052 p.a.) Application deadline: 16 November 2015. *Enquiries and applications.* Informal enquiries are encouraged and to be addressed to Dr. Andrea Soltoggio (a.soltoggio(a)lboro.ac.uk) Interested candidates are invited to submit an application at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/including a CV, the names and addresses of two referees, and a statement of research interest (maximum 300 words). Best regards, Andrea Soltoggio -- Dr. Andrea Soltoggio Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence Department of Computer Science Haslegrave Building, N.2.03 Loughborough University LE11 3TU, UK Phone: +44 (0) 1509 635748 Email: a.soltoggio(a)lboro.ac.uk Web: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/compsci/staff/dr-andrea-soltoggio.html

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postdoc opening at University of Pittsburgh
by Jonathan Rubin Nov. 5, 2015

Nov. 5, 2015

Postdoctoral position in Mathematical Biology The Department of Mathematics at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position in Mathematical Biology, to begin in the Fall Term 2016, pending budgetary approval. A Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences or a closely related discipline is required. We seek excellence in research and teaching. Salary and benefits are competitive. Applicants should submit a vita, three letters of recommendation, a research statement and evidence of teaching accomplishments electronically through http://www.mathjobs.org. Review of completed files will begin on January 4, 2016 and continue until the position is filled. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups underrepresented in academia are especially encouraged to apply.

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Phd-Positions in Bonn & Florida: Max Planck Research School Brain and Behavior
by Jakob Macke Nov. 5, 2015

Nov. 5, 2015

Dear Colleagues, The new International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior is a fully funded graduate program in the neurosciences jointly hosted between caesar, Bonn, Germany and the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI), USA. In addition, IMPRS for Brain and Behavior is co-run by partner Universities: University of Bonn, Germany and Florida Atlantic University in the USA. Detailed information is available on our web site: http://www.imprs-brain-behavior.mpg.de. IMPRS for Brain and Behavior is announcing fully-funded Ph.D. positions in Neuroscience. Students will receive both theoretical and hands-on training in a large range of modern imaging, electro-physiological, molecular and computational techniques. They will be exposed to a broad range of research areas based on how sensory information is encoded in neural circuits and how these circuits are activated during behavior. Students will take courses and attend scientific symposia at the partner institutions in Bonn and Florida – thereby being exposed to an exceptionally broad group of international scientists and provided the opportunity to earn a doctorate under outstanding research conditions. Successful candidates will work in a young and dynamic international environment, embedded in the local scientific communities of caesar or MPFI. As both caesar and MPFI are part of a large cluster of Max Planck Institutes working in the neurosciences, students will have unparalleled insight into the broad range of outstanding research taking place in the Max Planck Society, Germany’s most successful research organization. The Ph.D. program is open to highly qualified and motivated candidates from all over the world who hold an outstanding diploma or master degree. Please upload your application (details online) through the online application portal found at: http://www.imprs-brain-behavior.mpg.de Application deadline is December 1; positions available starting September 2016. For further information please contact: info(a)imprs-brain-behavior.org or Denise Butler, Coordinator, phone: +49(0)228 / 9656-318, imprs.info(a)caesar.de. We are excited about this new venture! We ask that you spread the word far and wide by forwarding this email to students and colleagues interested in our overarching theme of how sensory information is encoded in neural circuits and is ultimately transformed to behavior. Jakob Macke Max Planck Research Group Leader Neural Systems Analysis phone +49/228/9656170 fax +49/228/96569170 e-mail: jakob(a)caesar.de www.mackelab.org research center caesar an associate of the Max Planck Society Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2 53175 Bonn, Germany www.caesar.de Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience 72076 Tübingen, Germany www.bccn-tuebingen.de

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4th Winter Q-Bio Mtg in HAWAII Feb. 2016 ***REMINDER! Abstract submission deadline NOV. 10, 2015***
by Santamaria, Cookie Nov. 5, 2015

Nov. 5, 2015

***REMINDER: ABSTRACT DEADLINE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2015!*** THE FOURTH ANNUAL WINTER Q-BIO MEETING Quantitative Biology on the Hawaiian Islands February 15-18, 2016 http://w-qbio.org/ The Winter q-bio meeting brings together scientists and engineers who are interested in all areas of q-bio. Technology is driving revolutionary changes in biology. Systems Biology has arisen as the deduction of interaction networks from -omics data generated in the wake of remarkable technological achievements. Likewise, DNA synthesis technologies are driving the development of Synthetic Biology, whereby engineered circuitry and even entire genomes can be reconstituted from chemical building blocks. These two emerging areas have catalyzed the growth of Quantitative Biology, whereby the central goal is the deduction of quantitative principles that can be used to construct predictive models for biological phenomena. The venue for 2016 is the Sheraton Waikiki<http://www.sheraton-waikiki.com/>, which is located in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. The resort is known for its breathtaking oceanfront views, a first-of-its-kind recently opened "Superpool" and many award-winning dining venues. This year we will select contributed talks from the submitted abstracts to be presented with the invited talks during the plenary sessions. Contributed talks will also be selected for parallel breakout sessions that commence in the late afternoon. 2016 CONFIRMED SPEAKERS: Nathalie Balaban — Hebrew University Karen Carniol — Cell Hana El-Samad — UCSF James Ferrell — Stanford Justin Gallivan — DARPA Susan Golden — UCSD Jeff Hasty — UCSD Evonne Kaplan-Liss — Stony Brook Jennifer Lippincott-Schwartz — NIH X. Shirley Liu — Harvard Amy Palmer — Colorado Katie Pollard — UCSF Bryan Ray — Science Jonathan Weissman — UCSF Lingchong You — Duke CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS: Jeff Hasty, University of California, San Diego Galit Lahav, Harvard University Wendell Lim, University of California, San Francisco Gurol Suel, University of California, San Diego Olga Troyanskaya, Princeton & Simons Center for Data Analysis Lev Tsimring, University of California, San Diego ***REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!*** Registration fee covers conference venue, registration reception, banquet, coffee & snacks. EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ($700 / $475 Student) DEADLINE: Sunday, December 20, 2015 REGULAR REGISTRATION ($800 / $575 Student) DEADLINE: Sunday, January 31, 2016 LATE REGISTRATION ($875 / $650 Student) After Sunday, January 31, 2016 REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE AT: http://www.w-qbio.org/register/ HOTEL: A block of rooms has been reserved for registered conference participants at the Sheraton Waikiki<http://www.sheraton-waikiki.com/> at a negotiated rate starting at $229 per night plus tax. We have also reserved a block of rooms at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani<http://www.princess-kaiulani.com/> (just one block east and across the street from the Sheraton Waikiki) at a negotiated rate starting at $160 per night plus tax. The rooms will be available soon on a first-come, first-served basis, so book early! CONTRIBUTED TALKS: If you wish to present your work at the conference, either as an oral talk or a poster, you must submit an abstract through the conference website by the November 10th deadline. Abstract guidelines and submission information at: http://www.w-qbio.org/submit-abstract/ ABSTRACT DEADLINE: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 Abstract guidelines and submission information at: http://www.w-qbio.org/submit-abstract/ We encourage you to forward this message to any colleagues who may be interested in taking part in this exciting event. Questions should be emailed to: coordinator(a)w-qbio.org<mailto:coordinator@w-qbio.org> SPONSORED BY: ACS Synthetic Biology UC San Diego BioCircuits Institute and the San Diego Center for Systems Biology UC San Diego Divisions of Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, q-bio, and Engineering

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COSYNE 2016: Abstract submission closes soon; Travel grants
by Tomas Hromadka Nov. 5, 2015

Nov. 5, 2015

==================================================== Computational and Systems Neuroscience 2016 (Cosyne) MAIN MEETING Feb 25 - Feb 28, 2016 Salt Lake City, Utah WORKSHOPS Feb 29 - Mar 01, 2016 Snowbird Ski Resort, Utah www.cosyne.org ==================================================== IMPORTANT COSYNE NEWS (see below for details): Abstract submission deadline is Fri 13 Nov 2015 (11.59pm PST) Meeting registration will open on 16 Nov 2015 Travel grant submission will open on 16 Nov 2015 COSYNE The annual Cosyne meeting provides an inclusive forum for the exchange of empirical and theoretical approaches to problems in systems neuroscience, in order to understand how neural systems function. The MAIN MEETING is single-track. A set of invited talks are selected by the Executive Committee, and additional talks and posters are selected by the Program Committee, based on submitted abstracts. The WORKSHOPS feature in-depth discussion of current topics of interest, in a small group setting. Cosyne topics include but are not limited to: neural coding, natural scene statistics, dendritic computation, neural basis of persistent activity, nonlinear receptive field mapping, representations of time and sequence, reward systems, decision-making, synaptic plasticity, map formation and plasticity, population coding, attention, and computation with spiking networks. We would like to foster increased participation from experimental groups as well as computational ones. Please circulate widely and encourage your students and postdocs to apply. When preparing an abstract, authors should be aware that not all abstracts can be accepted for the meeting, due to space constraints. Abstracts will be selected based on the clarity with which they convey the substance, significance, and originality of the work to be presented. Based on last year's survey, we decided to keep the accepted number of abstracts the same as in 2015, 345 accepted abstracts (a modest increase over previous years). This was a difficult decision as we know the review process cannot be perfect, meaning that suitable abstracts are sometimes rejected. However, the feedback from the community indicated a clear preference for keeping the meeting at its current size with the restricted number of posters. For more information and details on submitting abstracts please visit www.cosyne.org, section Abstracts. TRAVEL GRANTS Applications will open on 16 Nov 2015 for travel grants to attend the conference. Each awardee will receive at least $500 to help offset the costs of travel, registration, and accommodations. Larger grants may be available to those traveling from outside North America. Special consideration is given to scientists who have not previously attended the meeting, under-represented minorities, students who are attending the meeting together with a mentor, and authors of submitted Cosyne abstracts. For details on applying, see cosyne.org, section Travel grants. CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Blaise Aguera y Arcas (Google) Marisa Carrasco (NYU) Edward Chang (UCSF) Greg DeAngelis (Rochester) Mark Goldman (UC Davis) Sonja Hofer (Basel) Richard Mooney (Duke) Mala Murthy (Princeton) Peggy Series (Edinburgh) Reza Shadmehr (Johns Hopkins) Paul Smolensky (Johns Hopkins) Leslie Vosshall (Rockefeller) Xiao-Jing Wang (NYU) ORGANIZING COMMITTEE General Chairs: Maria Geffen (U Penn) and Konrad Körding (Northwestern) Program Chairs: Megan Carey (Champalimaud) and Emilio Salinas (Wake Forest) Workshop Chairs: Claudia Clopath (Imperial College) and Alfonso Renart (Champalimaud) Publicity Chair: Xaq Pitkow (Rice) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Anne Churchland (CSHL) Zachary Mainen (Champalimaud) Alexandre Pouget (U Geneva) Anthony Zador (CSHL) CONTACT cosyne.meeting [at] gmail.com

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postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience at the Italian Institute of Technology
by Stefano Panzeri Nov. 5, 2015

Nov. 5, 2015

We are about to open a postdoctoral position focusing on the development of advanced mathematical methods for analysing fluorescence signals recorded in cortical networks expressing the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6 during two-photon microscopy experiments. With this email, we are soliciting expressions of interest from interested candidates. The applicants should have a strong background in numerate sciences, with a strong interest and previous experience in MATLAB, be highly independent and have a strong propensity for interdisciplinary research. Experience in or understanding of experimental neuroscience is desirable, but not necessary. Candidates must hold a PhD in computational neuroscience, bio-physics or a related discipline and be highly motivated and creative individuals who want to work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research environment and who are willing to interact with both experimental and theoretical neuroscientists. Research activities will be carried out in the newly established and highly interdisciplinary Neural Coding Laboratory, which is jointly supervised by Dr. Panzeri and Dr. Fellin and aims to combine experiments and mathematics to crack the neural code. For reference to recent work of the PIs please see Zuo et al. Cur. Biol. 2015; Panzeri et al. Trends Cogn. Neurosci. 2015; Bovetti and Fellin, J. Neurosci. Methods 2015; Einevoll et al. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 2013; Beltramo et al., Nat. Neurosci. 2013. Applications (full CV, two recommendation letters and statement of research interest) should be sent by email to Dr. Stefano Panzeri ( stefano.panzeri(a)iit.it <https://mail.iit.it/owa/redir.aspx?C=oajclq8rPE6FcMCJ-lI1Hsu55NFH69II9YBluB…>) and Dr. Tommaso Fellin (tommaso.fellin(a)iit.it <https://mail.iit.it/owa/redir.aspx?C=oajclq8rPE6FcMCJ-lI1Hsu55NFH69II9YBluB…> ). Regards Stefano Panzeri and Tommaso Fellin

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A parameter-free dimensionality reduction method
by 桂杰 Nov. 5, 2015

Nov. 5, 2015

The paper can be found in http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?arnumber=6560364 and the matlab code can be downloaded from http://www.openpr.org.cn/index.php/104-How-to-Estimate-the-Regularization-P… . Whenever you need to use LDA (linear discriminant analysis), you can also try our method. This method is parameter-free, avoiding the pain of tuning parameters. When applied to large scale data, it is faster than LDA. Despite that the paper is a little mathematical intensive, the matlab code is very easy to use. If you want to use it, there is no need to know the details of all formulas in this paper. Have funJ -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- Associate Professor Jie Gui (Chinese name: 桂杰), PhD Institute of Intelligent Machines, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Hefei 230031, China Homepage: http://www.escience.cn/people/guijie/index.html --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------

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Faculty position: CRC chair in Biostatistics and Big Data Analytics, York University, Canada
by Kari Hoffman Nov. 4, 2015

Nov. 4, 2015

https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/7335 Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University *Position ID:* York <https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/York>-CRC <https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/York/CRC> [#7335] *Position Title:* Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Biostatistics and Big Data Analytics *Position Type:* Tenured/Tenure-track faculty *Position Location:* Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada [map <https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs?joblist-695-7335----m>] *Subject Area:* Statistics *Application Deadline:* 2015/12/01 (posted 2015/07/13, listed until 2016/01/13) *Position Description:* Apply <https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/York/7335/apply> Applications are invited from emerging world-class leaders in the areas of biostatistics, machine learning and big data analysis to be nominated for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair at York University. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in analyzing large volumes of data generated by biological and/or medical studies in areas that may include biological or computational vision research. Canada Research Chairs are research-intensive faculty positions providing the chair holder with an exceptional opportunity to grow their research program through the provision of protected time and enhanced access to research supports. The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in statistics or a related field and a minimum of three years of postdoctoral experience at the time of taking up the appointment, with a prior faculty appointment preferred, or equivalent qualifications. The incumbent will also have an outstanding early career record including training and research awards and publications in high-quality refereed journals, and clear evidence of cross-disciplinary collaboration. The incumbent is also expected to demonstrate excellence or promise of excellence in graduate supervision and teaching and be eligible for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics has a strong research group developing methodology and applications in statistical machine learning and big data analysis. The incumbent must be willing and able to take a leadership role in the activities and development of a vibrant Big Data Statistics research group within the Department. The incumbent is expected to form strong collaborations with fellow researchers in cognate fields across the University, throughout Canada and internationally. In addition, he/she is expected to recruit graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, attract significant external funding, and develop new courses in the area of statistics, machine learning and the analysis of big data. The Department also has strong research groups with interests in medical research (including the Centre for Disease Modelling and the Centre for Vision Research), climate change as well as biological and financial applications. Related research hubs across the Faculty of Science and York University – including the York Institute for Health Research, and the High-Energy Physics Group – also provide excellent collaborative opportunities. Further information about the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the Faculty of Science can be found at http://science.yorku.ca . The successful candidate will be appointed to a tenure-track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. The award of the Chair is subject to approval by the CRC program review process. Tier 2 Chairs have a five-year term, once renewable, and are intended for exceptional emerging researchers (i.e., typically with less than 10 years experience as an active researcher in their field, with consideration for career breaks) who have the acknowledged potential to lead their field of research. Information about the CRC program can be found at http://www.chairs.gc.ca. The start date for the position is July 1, 2016 or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications should be submitted via the AMS MathJobs site http://www.mathjobs.org/jobs <https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/%3Chttp://www.mathjobs.org/jobs%3E,> and include a letter of interest (incorporating a brief five-year research plan and evidence of teaching effectiveness), curriculum vitae, and names and contact information of three referees. Applications must be received by December 1, 2015. All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval. York University is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, within its community. The AA program, which applies to Aboriginal people, visible minorities, people with disabilities, and women, can be found at http://yorku.ca/acadjobs or by calling the AA office at 416-736-5713.All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority. Applicants wishing to self identify can do so by downloading and completing the form found at: http://acadjobs.info.yorku.ca/files/2014/12/AA-Self-ID-Form-October-2013.pdf. You can confirm you are a Canadian by downloading and completing the form found at: http://acadjobs.info.yorku.ca/affirmative-action/citizenship-form/ . Once these forms have been signed they can be uploaded to MathJobs. *Application Materials Required:**Submit <https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs?apply-695-7335> the following items online at this website:* - Cover Letter - Curriculum Vitae - Research Statement - Teaching Statement - Publication List - AA form(s) (optional) - Three Reference Letters (to be submitted by the reference writers at this site ) *Further Info:* www.math.yorku.ca416-736-5757 Department of Mathematics and Statistics N520 Ross, York University 4700 Keele Street Toronto, Ontario Canada M3J 1P3 -----

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PhD position at the University of Zurich / ETH Zurich
by Jean-Pascal Pfister Nov. 4, 2015

Nov. 4, 2015

Applications are invited for one PhD student position at the University of Zurich/ETH Zurich. The position is funded by a SystemsX grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation. The project is entitled "Baysian learning of quantal parameters at single synapse resolution", and involves both experimentation and theory. Most models of synaptic transmission assume that all synapses between two neurons are identical. However, there is experimental evidence for significant heterogeneity in synaptic transmission between synapses. The major goal of this project is the development of an approach that allows for quantification of functional synaptic parameters incorporating single synapse heterogeneity. Half of the project will be devoted to experiments (electrophysiological and optophysiological investigation of synaptic transmission at Drosophila synapses), while the second part will involve modeling (Bayesian learning). The PhD student will be co-supervised by Prof. Martin Müller (Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich) and Prof. Jean-Pascal Pfister (Institute of Neuroinformatics, ETH and University of Zurich). Both institutes offer ideal environments for performing theory-driven experiments due to the presence of many theoretical and experimental labs. The candidate should hold a Master degree in Physics, Biology, Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience or a related field. She/he should have keen interests in theory-driven experiments. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in an experimental lab, strong mathematical or good programming skills. The applicant should submit a CV (including contacts of two referees), a statement of research interests, marks obtained for the Master, and the abstract of the Master thesis in electronic format to Jean-Pascal Pfister (jpfister(a)ini.uzh.ch <mailto:jpfister@ini.uzh.ch>) or Martin Müller (Martin.Mueller(a)imls.uzh.ch <mailto:Martin.Mueller@imls.uzh.ch>). The position is offered for a period of three years and can be extended. The preferred starting date is January 2016. Salary scale is provided by the Swiss National Science Foundation (http://www.snf.ch/SiteCollectionDocuments/allg_doktorierende_e.pdf <http://www.snf.ch/SiteCollectionDocuments/allg_doktorierende_e.pdf>). Deadline for application is the 30th of November 2015 or until the position is filled. +++ Martin Müller SNSF Assistant Professor Institute of Molecular Life Sciences University of Zurich Y55-K78 Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland www.imls.uzh.ch/mueller.html <http://www.imls.uzh.ch/mueller.html> www.neuroscience.ethz.ch/research/molecular_cellular/mueller <http://www.neuroscience.ethz.ch/research/molecular_cellular/mueller> +++ Jean-Pascal Pfister SNSF Assistant Professor Theoretical Neuroscience Group Institute of Neuroinformatics University of Zurich and ETH Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich, Switzerland www.ini.uzh.ch/~jpfister <http://www.ini.uzh.ch/~jpfister> www.neuroscience.ethz.ch/research/computation_modeling/pfister <http://www.neuroscience.ethz.ch/research/computation_modeling/pfister>

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Postdoc position in Computational Brain Modelling at Ulster University UK
by McDaid, Liam Nov. 3, 2015

Nov. 3, 2015

Applications are invited for the post of Research Associate (RA) in Computational Brain Modelling (Ref: 1503308) based at the Intelligent Systems Research Center, Ulster University, UK. The RA post is for a 3½ year duration and is part of a collaborative project funded by the EPSRC: our partners are the Department of Electronics, University of York. The RA post holder will be part of a team that aims to develop a brain-inspired self-repairing algorithm and subsequently map this self-repairing algorithm to robotic hardware at the University of York. At Ulster we have previously shown that astrocyte cells interact with neurons to detect when a fault has occurred in the connections making up a network of neurons and how this interaction can oversee a repair strategy in the paper "On the Role of Astroglial Syncytia in Self-Repairing Spiking Neural Networks" (http://tinyurl.com/qbsusnn) The RA post will focus on the development of a computational model that captures the interactions between neurons and astrocytes, and hence the repair process, and will interact with other team members to translate the self-repair strategy to hardware computing systems and robot controllers based at the University of York. The RA post is fixed-term based at Ulster University and is active from November 2015 until March 2019. The closing date for applications is the 11th November 2015. Further information in relation to the post can be found on the following link: http://tinyurl.com/ocm8pvf or you can contact Prof. Liam McDaid at lj.mcdaid(a)ulster.ac.uk<mailto:lj.mcdaid@ulster.ac.uk> We prefer to issue and receive applications via our on-line recruitment website at www.ulster.ac.uk/jobs<http://www.ulster.ac.uk/jobs> Hard copy applications can be obtained by telephoning +4428 7012 4072 ________________________________ This email and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee and may contain information which is covered by legal, professional or other privilege. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager at postmaster(a)ulster.ac.uk and delete this email immediately. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ulster University. The University's computer systems may be monitored and communications carried out on them may be recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes. Ulster University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of a separate attachment, the text of email is not intended to form a binding contract. Correspondence to and from the University may be subject to requests for disclosure by 3rd parties under relevant legislation. The University of Ulster was founded by Royal Charter in 1984 and is registered with company number RC000726 and VAT registered number GB672390524.The primary contact address for Ulster University in Northern Ireland is Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT52 1SA

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postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience in Barcelona
by Alex Roxin Nov. 3, 2015

Nov. 3, 2015

The Computational Neuroscience Group at the Centre de Recerca Matemàtica in Barcelona, Spain is looking for applicants for a postdoctoral position. Applicants will apply through a call from the Barcelona Graduate Schoool of Mathematics when it appears, most likely sometime this month, November 2015. There are a total of four positions in all areas of mathematics and as such this call will be highly competitive. Candidates with a very strong mathematics background and interest in computational neuroscience are encouraged to apply. No previous neuroscience experience is required. Possible projects include: 1 - the role of connectivity and plasticity in shaping network dynamics, 2 - network models of memory formation and consolidation, 3 - the role of neuronal synchrony in information transfer and binding. To see details about the documentation needed to apply please go to the call itself at http://www.bgsmath.cat/postdoctoral-fellowships/ If you have any questions regarding the Computational Neuroscience Group at the CRM, please contact Alex Roxin at aroxin(a)crm.cat. Alex Roxin Computational Neuroscience Group Centre de Recerca Matemàtica Campus de Bellaterra, Edifici C 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona) Spain +34-935-868-508 aroxin(a)crm.cat https://sites.google.com/site/alexanderroxin/home

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Announcing EMBO Workshop on Dendritic Anatomy, Molecules and Function (DENDRITES 2016), June 18-21, Crete
by Yiota Poirazi Nov. 3, 2015

Nov. 3, 2015

We are happy to announce EMBO Workshop on Dendritic Anatomy, Molecules and Function (DENDRITES 2016) Heraklion, Crete, Greece June 18-21, 2016 http://dendrites2016.gr/ <http://dendrites2014.gr/> _Organizing committee:_ Yiota Poirazi, IMBB-FORTH Michael Hausser, UCL * * Matthew Larkum, Hamboldt University This Workshop brings together scientific leaders to present their research on dendrites, at the molecular, anatomical and biophysical level. Apart from scientific talks from top experts in the field, the meeting includes a full day dedicated to Career Issues in academia. This session features talks from the current President of FENS as well as young Neuroscientists from theFENS-Kavli Network of Excellence <http://www.fens.org/Outreach/FENS-Kavli-Network-of-Excellence/> that are dealing with such issues. _Invited speakers (scientific talks): _ Claudia Clopath Daniel Dombeck Casper Hoogenraad Arthur Konnerth Attila Losonczy Judit Makara Rishikesh Narayanan Elly Nedivi Jackie Schiller Erin Schuman Idan Segev Nelson Spruston Greg Stuart _Invited speakers (Career Issues in academia):_ Monica Di Luca, FENS President: "Publication issues: right time for a reality check" Camilla Belone, FENS-Kavli Scholar: "Retention of women in high levels of neuroscience - Perspectives" Emre Yaksi, FENS-Kavli Scholar: "Funding opportunities in Neuroscience: how to write a successful grant proposal" _Important dates:_ * Abstract submission opens: December 15, 2015. * Abstract submission closes: February 15, 2016. * Notification of abstract acceptance: February 29, 2016. * Early registration fees apply until March 31, 2016. Please write to info(a)dendrites2016.gr <mailto:info@dendrites.gr> with your questions. On behalf of the organizing committee, Yiota Poirazi ps: Apologies for multiple postings -- Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D. Director of Research Computational Biology Laboratory Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) Vassilika Vouton, P.O.Box 1385 GR 711 10 Heraklion, Crete, GREECE Tel: +30 2810 391139 <tel:+30%202810%20391139> Fax: +30 2810 391101 <tel:+30%202810%20391101> Εmail: poirazi(a)imbb.forth.gr <mailto:poirazi@imbb.forth.gr> http://www.dendrites.gr Chair

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PhD positions in computational neuroscience
by Dan Goodman Nov. 2, 2015

Nov. 2, 2015

One or more PhD positions in computational neuroscience are available in the Neural Reckoning Group of Dan Goodman at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London. I am interested in supervising students with a strong mathematical, computational or neuroscience background. Projects could be carried out in several possible areas, including neuroinformatics (i.e simulation and analysis of neural data) or sensory neuroscience (e.g. spiking neural models in the auditory system). For more information about the group, including some suggestions for research topics, see http://neural-reckoning.org/openings.html. 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 (recently ranked 2nd in the world in the QS world university rankings) and in the many neuroscience groups in London. 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 (for more information, see http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/electricalengineering/courses/phd) Funding is available for at least one student, and there are several competitive funding schemes at Imperial which would provide funding for additional students. Also, please forward this message on to any of your students or colleagues with students that you think may be interested. Dan Goodman

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CogModel notes: ICCM16/confs/journals/Jobs
by Frank Ritter Nov. 2, 2015

Nov. 2, 2015

This is the first emailing for ICCM 2016. Please forward if appropriate, and put appropriate links onto your web site. The ICCM 2016 announcement drives this email (it will be at Penn State, before CogSci, in August 2016, on its regular (15/18 month) schedule, hope you can come!). There are also numerous timely announcements that indicate new publication outlets, resources, and jobs in Cog Sci and in cognitive modeling, or jobs I think might take modelers with an application. I have also included several unusual items, including some tools and an obituary. If you would like to be removed, please just let me know. I maintain it by hand to keep it small. [Hypertext version available at http://acs.ist.psu.edu/iccm2016/iccm-mailing-oct2015.html] cheers, Frank Ritter frank.e.ritter(a)gmail.com http://www.frankritter.com **************************************************************** 1. Intnl. Conf. on Cognitive Modeling, August 2016 in University Park, PA http://acs.ist.psu.edu/iccm2016/ 2. Soar Workshop, June 2015, program up https://web.eecs.umich.edu/~soar/workshop/ 3. Databrary, data library, is up and has sample data https://databrary.org/? 4. MindModeling@Home: supercomputing for modeling http://MindModeling.org 5. AI Research funding: Making AI robust and beneficial http://futureoflife.org/AI/2015awardees 6. HCI Community Discussion of Proposed Revisions to (US) IRB Rules http://hci-discuss-irb-rules.groupsite.com/ 7. Obituary for Raja Parasumaman 8. Outstanding dissertation awards, expected Jan 2016 http://www.cognitivesciencesociety.org/about_awards_glushko.html 9. The Discipline of Organizing: Core Concepts Edition, 3rd Ed. http://shop.oreilly.com/product/0636920045014.do 10. Related book to review: Riveted http://www.jimdavies.org/riveted/ 11. Review copies of the FDUCS book and the RBS books, for reviews http://www.frankritter.com/fducs http://www.frankritter.com/rbs 12. Computational Cognitive Science, first articles up http://www.springer.com/engineering/computational+intelligence+and+complexi… 13. New ACM Transactions on Cyber-Physical Systems [journal] http://tcps.acm.org 14. Journal of Interaction Science call for papers http://news.springer.com/re?l=D0In5ve4pI6hg61ejIa&req=%2F2194 15. 2015-2016 ETS Fellowship and Internship Programs in R&D http://www.ets.org/research/fellowships [deadline passed for 2015, but will happen in 2016?] 16. 2015 Bio Inspired Cog Arch, Nov 2015, Lyons, France http://liris.cnrs.fr/bica2015 many deadlines past, except for late breaking 17. SBP/BRiMS Conference program and proceedings http://sbp-conference.org/sbp2015/program/ http://sbp-conference.org/sbp2015/downloads/ 18. Advances in Cognitive Systems, Proceedings http://www.cogsys.org/proceedings/2015 29-31 May 2015 19. Call for Papers and Special Issues, Trans. on Comp. Social Sys. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=6570650 20. 19th Conference of the European Society for Cognitive Psychology Sep 2015 http://www.escop2015.org/ 21. Budapest Semester in Cognitive Science http://www.bscs-us.org/ 22. 6th UK Cognitive Linguistics Conference, July 2016, due: 6 Dec 2015 http://ukclc2016.bangor.ac.uk 23. Study abroad summer program: Systems Neuroscience in Budapest http://sysneuro-semester.org/ [passed, but may re-occur] 24. NASA calls for proposals http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/ 25. Postdoc in Team Decision Dynamics at RPI until filled https://rpijobs.rpi.edu/postings/2587 26. Postdoc ACS Lab, Penn State [Reitter] http://acs.ist.psu.edu/ 27. Programmer in biology for simulation and analysis Penn State 28. Chaired profs in Math Psych/Cog sciences https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/apply/JPF03041 1 dec 15 until filled 29. Florida International, open rank and instructor in CS due 31 dec 15 30. Postdoctoral researcher needed, Wright State U 31. Postdoctoral researcher, CMU email John Anderson 32. Postdoc ACS Lab, Penn State [Ritter] 33. Post-doc, Rice U, due 1 oct 2015 https://jobs.rice.edu/postings/4748 34. Postdoc in Games, Play, and Motivational Design @ Northeastern U https://neu.peopleadmin.com/postings/36635 , posted July 2015 35. School of Information Tech, Carleton U - Assistant Prof URL too long! 36. 4 postdocs and RAs in AI consciousness, Tokyo http://www.araya.org/eng 37. CS@Virginia Tech, tenure track http://www.cs.vt.edu/FacultySearch 38. Lecturer/SL in games, U. of Lincoln, England http://games.lincoln.ac.uk/. 39. Information Science, UC/Boulder, due 2 Nov 2015 http://www.jobsatcu.com:80/postings/107999, position number F02925. 40. CS@U Central FL, tenure track https://www.jobswithucf.com/postings/43185 41. Assoc/Full Prof, Learning Science/EDM/LAK at New York U http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/faculty_positions/alt/ect_associate_tenured 42. Open-Rank Faculty Position in Quan Psy, U of Mich https://psychology-lsa.applicantstack.com/x/apply/a2s9hqlu3cgv 43. Senior Neuroscientists, Virginia Tech 44. Comp. neuroscience positions at Sandia National Labs [this has passed, but there seem to commonly be positions there] http://www.sandia.gov/careers/ 45. Academic Fellow in Machine Learning, Leeds, due 30sep15 https://jobs.leeds.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=ENGCP1012 46. Tenure Track Asst Prof in Cog Psychology at Syracuse U https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/61035 47. Director, Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study https://jobs.gmu.edu/postings/36230 48. Computational Social Science, GMU, Junior position https://jobs.gmu.edu/postings/36295 **************************************************************** 1. Intnl. Conf. on Cognitive Modeling, August 2016 in University Park, PA http://acs.ist.psu.edu/iccm2016/ International Conference on Cognitive Modeling, 4-6 Aug 2016, Penn State, University Park, PA, USA http://acs.ist.psu.edu/iccm2016/ Submissions due 8 Apr 2016 The International Conference on Cognitive Modeling will take place 4-6 August 2016 at Penn State, University Park, Pennsylvania. All paper, poster, symposium, and tutorial submissions are due on 8 April 2016, 5pm EDST. They should be submitted via our online submission system at: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=iccm2016 The International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM) is the premier conference for research on computational models and computation-based theories of human behavior. The goal of ICCM is to bring researchers together who are interested in using computational modeling to better understand human cognition. ICCM is a forum for presenting, discussing, and evaluating the complete spectrum of cognitive modeling approaches, including connectionism, symbolic modeling, dynamical systems, Bayesian modeling, and cognitive architectures. ICCM includes basic and applied research across a wide variety of domains, ranging from low-level perception and attention to higher-level problem-solving and learning. Finally, we also welcome contributions that use computational models to better understand neuro-imaging data. There are three types of regular submissions: Papers: refereed papers of up to 6 pages. If a submission is accepted to be published as a paper, the paper will be presented at the conference either as a talk or as a poster. Posters: refereed poster abstracts of up to 2 pages. If accepted, the corresponding poster will be presented at the conference in a dedicated poster session. Symposia: refereed symposia abstracts of up to 2 pages. If accepted, the conference committee will contact the authors to help organize and schedule the symposium. Notification of acceptance by 6 May 2016. The website has further details. TUTORIALS The day before the conference (3 Aug 16) will be devoted to tutorials on various cognitive modelling techniques and approaches. If you are interested in submitting a proposal for a tutorial, please see the tutorial page for more information. Tutorial proposals will be evaluated by the organising committee on the basis of their estimated benefit for prospective participants and on their fit within the tutorials program as a whole. If you are interested in organising a tutorial, please send us an email at frank.ritter(a)psu.edu by 8 Apr 2016 with the following information: - a 150 word description of the tutorial - duration (half-day or full-day) - who the tutors will be - any pre-requisites that participants need to follow the tutorial We will notify you of acceptance or rejection by 1 May 2016. **************************************************************** 2. Soar Workshop, June 2015, program up https://web.eecs.umich.edu/~soar/workshop/ The schedule is up, and you can see who spoke, and what tutorials were presented, including Soar and Lego. The Center for Cognitive Architecture (http://sitemaker.umich.edu/soarweb/home) at the U of Michigan and Soar Technology, Inc. (http://www.soartech.com/) are pleased to announce the 35th Soar Workshop will be held from Tuesday June 2, 2015 through Friday June 5, 2015 at the Bob and Betty Beyster Building at the U of Michigan in Ann Arbor. For those of you not familiar with the Soar Workshop, each year, members of the (http://soar.eecs.umich.edu/) Soar community--faculty, scientists, graduate students, technical staff and developers--gather together for several days of intensive interaction and exchange on Soar. The Soar community is widely distributed geographically, so these workshops provide an opportunity to have face-to-face conversations, learn about the current status of other participants' research and get previews of what will happen in the future. We will try to give as many members of the community as possible the opportunity to describe their research or discuss the Soar issues that are of concern to them. This means the time available per talk is quite short (typically either 5 or 15 minutes). Since workshop attendees are already entrenched in the Soar world, brief talks that concentrate on only the essentials work very well. The workshop format is presentations only -- no formal papers. There is no charge to attend the workshop although registration was required. You may sign up to give talks of various lengths as soon as you're registered. Please upload a copy of your presentation(s) by June 2th, 2015 via the Soar Workshop registration page. Note that this year's workshop will be over 4 days instead of 4.5. There will be two days of tutorials followed by two days of presentations. Questions and information regarding the workshop should be directed to John Laird via (laird(a)umich.edu) mail or phone: (734) 647-1761 **************************************************************** 3. Databrary, data library, is up and has sample data https://databrary.org/? The Databrary project (https://databrary.org/?) is up and running, and has sample data. It provides an NSF and NIH sponsored location to archive your data. Further details and the data for potential reuse are at that web site. **************************************************************** 4. MindModeling@Home: supercomputing for modeling http://MindModeling.org The MindModeling@Home project (http://MindModeling.org) strives to provide a simple, efficient and reliable resource for evaluating models of cognition. By uniting heterogeneous computational resources ranging from high performance computing systems to local grids to workstations of volunteers around the globe, the MindModeling@Home system avails large-scale computational power that enables exploration of models at a deeper level and across a larger number of contexts than is typically possible using a single research workstation. Over the past 5 years, the MindModeling@Home system has facilitated billions of cognitive model runs, using thousands of computers located in dozens of countries. With thousands of users contributing to the processing pool, the system has contributed to a broad spectrum of research initiatives, implemented in multiple languages (C, Java, Lisp, MATLAB, Python and R) recording job speed-ups of 3-orders of magnitude. Furthermore, this computational resource is being used now by research collaborators at universities including Indiana U, Michigan U, Michigan Technology U, Iowa, George Mason U, Rensselaer Polytechnic U, Tufts and Wright State U. **************************************************************** 5. AI Research funding: Making AI robust and beneficial http://futureoflife.org/AI/2015awardees [this call went out in 2014, was awarded in early 2015. it is a fresh view of AI and other technologies, and wants to look at their use critically. I suspect that they will have a further funding program.] Background information: https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2e3t77/i_am_max_tegmark_an_mit_physi… The Future of Life Institute, based in Cambridge, MA and headed by Max Tegmark (Physics prof, MIT), is seeking proposals for research projects aimed to maximize the future societal benefit of artificial intelligence while avoiding potential hazards. Projects may fall in the fields of computer science, AI, machine learning, public policy, law, ethics, economics, or education and outreach. This 2015 grants competition will award funds totaling $6M USD. This funding call is limited to research that explicitly focuses not on the standard goal of making AI more capable, but on making AI more robust and/or beneficial; for example, research could focus on making machine learning systems more interpretable, on making high-confidence assertions about AI systems' behavior, or on ensuring that autonomous systems fail gracefully. Funding priority will be given to research aimed at keeping AI robust and beneficial even if it comes to greatly supersede current capabilities, either by explicitly focusing on issues related to advanced future AI or by focusing on near-term problems, the solutions of which are likely to be important first steps toward long-term solutions. *** REFERENCES AND RESOURCES [1] Complete request for proposals and application form: http://futureoflife.org/grants/large/initial [2] Research Priorities document: http://futureoflife.org/static/data/documents/research_priorities.pdf [3] An open letter from AI scientists on research priorities for robust and beneficial AI: http://futureoflife.org/misc/open_letter [4] Initial funding announcement: http://futureoflife.org/misc/AI Questions about Project Grants: dewey(a)futureoflife.org Media inquiries: tegmark(a)mit.edu **************************************************************** 6. HCI Community Discussion of Proposed Revisions to (US) IRB Rules http://hci-discuss-irb-rules.groupsite.com/ Update your notification preferences to change the frequency or type of emails you receive from this group. Hello Everyone, [from: Marti Hearst (marti_hearst(a)yahoo.com) It's been about 2 years since my last post to this list. To remind you, this group put together a letter in response to HHS's call for comments on proposed IRB reform in 2011. You may have thought that that work was for naught, but it seems that 4 years later, some activity has occurred. As I have noted in earlier messages, I subscribe to an email list from HHS that promises to provide updates on this matter, and yesterday I received the encouraging email that I enclose below. It is yet another request for comments. What we have to decide now is if we want to comment on it or not. I have not yet read the full RFC, but the paragraphs I quote below are very encouraging, which makes me think we may want to chime in with support. Here are the most encouraging paragraphs, from my perspective: The NPRM also attempts to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of the oversight system by making the level of review more proportional to the seriousness of the harm or danger to be avoided. Research that poses greater risk to subjects should receive more oversight and deliberation than less risky research. The NPRM seeks to avoid requirements that do not enhance protection and impose burden, which can decrease efficiency, waste resources, erode trust, and obscure the true ethical challenges that require careful deliberation and stakeholder input. Cumbersome and outdated regulatory standards overwhelm and distract institutions, IRBs, and investigators in ways that stymie efforts to appropriately address the real risks and benefits of research. The result of these types of changes, as the NPRM proposes to implement them, is that some studies that currently require IRB review would now become exempt. Some that are currently exempt would specifically be declared as outside the scope of the regulations ("excluded"), and thus would not require any administrative or IRB review. Further, in terms of determining when a study is exempt, a web-based "decision tool" will be created. That decision tool will provide a determination of whether or not a study is exempt. " So now this group needs to decide if we want to read the RFC and respond. [if you want to discuss, you should join the HCI group, or reply directly to the RFC using http://hci-discuss-irb-rules.groupsite.com/file_cabinet/files/774334/downlo… **************************************************************** 7. Obituary for Raja Parasumaman He was very well known in human factors. I did not know Raja directly, but I was touched by the notes in his obituary, his relationship to cognitive modeling, and thought knowing about him might help us all. http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/dignitymemorial/guestbook.aspx?n=raja-paras… **************************************************************** 8. Outstanding dissertation awards, expected Jan 2016 http://www.cognitivesciencesociety.org/about_awards_glushko.html The Cognitive Science Society and the Glushko-Samuelson Foundation seek nominations for up to five outstanding dissertation prizes in cognitive science. The Prize seeks to recognize research in all areas of cognitive science construed broadly and particularly research that crosses interdisciplinary boundaries. The deadline for nominations (for candidates receiving their PhD between January 15, 2013 and January 15, 2015 is 30 Jan 2015. [and probably same general dates for 2015] Each prize will be accompanied by a certificate and a $10,000 award to be used by the recipient without any constraints. Prize winners will also receive three years of complimentary membership in the Cognitive Science Society starting with the year in which they have won the prize. Information about the nomination procedure is attached and may also be found at Information on the prizes can be found at http://www.cognitivesciencesociety.org/about_awards_glushko.html Description of the Prizes Up to five Robert J. Glushko Dissertation Prizes in Cognitive Science will be awarded annually. Each prize will be accompanied by a certificate and a $10,000 award to be used by the recipient without any constraints. Prize winners will also receive three years of complimentary membership in the Cognitive Science Society starting with the year in which they have won the prize. Prize-winning dissertations are expected to transcend any one of the individual fields comprising cognitive science. They should centrally address issues of interest to multiple fields that comprise cognitive science, including: psychology, computer science, philosophy, linguistics, anthropology, neuroscience, and education. Prize-winners must have received a PhD degree no more than two years before the 30 Jan nomination deadline. For the 2015 prizes, dissertations will be considered from individuals who received their PhD degrees during the period from January 15, 2013 to January 15, 2015. The dissertation prizes are open to any student who has conducted dissertation research related to cognitive science, regardless of nationality or originating department. How to Submit The deadline for nominations is 30 Jan 2015. Awardees will be announced by 15 Apr 2016. All nomination materials should be sent electronically to cogscij(a)indiana.edu in ascii, PDF, or Word format. Please put Glushko Nomination in subject line with nominees name. A nomination dossier includes: Letters of support from 3 faculty members. The letters of support should explicitly describe how the dissertation research transcends a single field comprising cognitive science to address core issues of relevance to several fields. We recommend that these letters refer to particular sections of the dissertation to support claims for interdisciplinary importance as this is a critical component in committee decisions. A curriculum vitae for the nominee The dissertation itself A precis of no more than 4,000 words (references are not included in the word count) written by the nominee describing the dissertation research. This description should clearly express the interdisciplinary contribution of the dissertation, suitable for review by a broad spectrum of cognitive scientists. Glushko Prize Committee Linda B Smith (Chair), Dist Prof of Psyc & Brain Sci.s, Indiana U Kathleen Akins, Prof of Philosophy, Simon Fraser U Dedre Gentner, Prof of Psychology & of Ed & Social Policy, Northwestern Adele Goldberg, Prof of Linguistics, Princeton Tim Shallice, Prof of Neuropsychology, U College London Thomas Griffiths, Assoc Prof of Psyc, UC Berkeley John Laird, Prof of Engineering, U of Mich **************************************************************** 9. The Discipline of Organizing: Core Concepts Edition, 3rd Ed. http://shop.oreilly.com/product/0636920045014.do The Discipline of Organizing: Core Concepts Edition, 3rd Edition By Robert J. Glushko [this is a print/online text book about information science with other substantial elements. Worth seeing at least for how it's published, used in numerous grad schools to teach about information. If you want an inspection copy, or a copy to write a review, email him, he's pretty helpful. It's used as numerous iSchools to teach intro courses.] We organize things. We organize information, information about things, and information about information. Organizing is a fundamental issue in many professional fields, but these fields have only limited agreement in how they approach problems of organizing and in what they seek as their solutions. We revised the TDO website to highlight the 3rd edition - see a description of the changes at http://disciplineoforganizing.org/third-editions-2015/ The price is lower than last year, and this time you get both an ebook and a pdf version as a bundle But if you want to use the 2nd editions, they are still available. We revised the TDO website to highlight the 3rd edition - see a description of the changes at http://disciplineoforganizing.org/third-editions-2015/ and at the bottom there's a comparison table so you can see how TDO has evolved over the last three years. **************************************************************** 10. Related book to review: Riveted http://www.jimdavies.org/riveted/ Jim Davies at Carleton U (jim.davies(a)gmail.com) has written a popular press book, Riveted: The science of why jokes make us laugh, movies make us cry, and religion makes us feel one with the universe (Palgrave, 2015). You can get a copy of it from him (or me) if you would like to write a review for publication. Otherwise, in fine stores everywhere. **************************************************************** 11. Review copies of the FDUCS book and the RBS books, for reviews http://www.frankritter.com/fducs http://www.frankritter.com/rbs Email if you would like to review or use as a textbook, either Foundations for designing user centered systems: What system designers need to know about people Running Behavioral studies with people: A practical guide Also, now email to get access to a small set of teaching materials for each book. And, the first is probably available through your library for $25, and the other has a discount page at http://www.frankritter.com/rbs/sage-30pc-flyer.pdf **************************************************************** 12. Computational Cognitive Science, first articles up http://www.springer.com/engineering/computational+intelligence+and+complexi… Computational Cognitive Science published its first articles (http://news.springer.com/re?l=D0In5x1giI6hg61ejIo) I am happy to announce that Computational Cognitive Science (http://news.springer.com/re?l=D0In5x1giI6hg61ejIp) has published its first articles and invite you to submit your next manuscript to this fully sponsored open access journal. Computational Cognitive Science provides you a forum for cross-disciplinary research contributions and debate relating to all aspects of the computational modelling of cognitive theories, and the implementation of intelligent systems that implicitly or explicitly draw on or inform research across multiple cognitive science disciplines. Read the first articles online! http://news.springer.com/re?l=D0In5x1giI6hg61ejIs A critical time in computational cognitive science David M W Powers http://news.springer.com/re?l=D0In5x1giI6hg61ejIt Computation in networks James K Peterson http://news.springer.com/re?l=D0In5x1giI6hg61ejIu Exploratory analysis of semantic categories: comparing data-driven and human similarity judgments Tiina Lindh-Knuutila, Timo Honkela http://news.springer.com/re?l=D0In5x1giI6hg61ejIv Time-order error and scalar variance in a computational model of human timing: simulations and predictions Maciej Komosinski, Adam Kups http://news.springer.com/re?l=D0In5x1giI6hg61ejIw Nodal computation approximations in asynchronous cognitive models James K Peterson Reasons to publish with us Open access publication Global visibility for your research Compliance with all open access mandates No article-processing charges (APC) I look forward to reading your work! Kind regards, David Powers Editor-in-Chief, Computational Cognitive Science PS The publication costs for Computational Cognitive Science are covered by the Centre for Knowledge & Interaction Technology, Flinders U, Australia, so you as an author do not need to pay an article-processing charge. Aims and Scope http://news.springer.com/re?l=D0In5x1giI6hg61ejI15 Editorial Board http://news.springer.com/re?l=D0In5x1giI6hg61ejI16 Submission http://news.springer.com/re?l=D0In5x1giI6hg61ejI18 **************************************************************** 13. New ACM Transactions on Cyber-Physical Systems [journal] http://tcps.acm.org ACM Transactions on Cyber-Physical Systems Editor-in-Chief Tei-Wei Kuo, National Taiwan U and Academia Sinica, Taiwan Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) has emerged as a unifying name for systems where the cyber parts (i.e., the computing and communication parts) and the physical parts are tightly integrated, both at the design time and during operation. Such systems use computations and communication deeply embedded in and interacting with physical processes to add new capabilities to physical systems. These cyber-physical systems range from miniscule (pace makers) to large-scale (a national power-grid). There is an emerging consensus that new methodologies and tools need to be developed to support cyber-physical systems. ACM Transactions on Cyber-Physical Systems (TCPS) is [will be?] the premier journal for the publication of high-quality original research papers and survey papers that have scientific and technological understanding of the interactions of information processing, networking and physical processes. TCPS will cover the following topics: * Computation Abstractions * System Modeling and Languages * System Compositionality and Integration * Design Automation and Tool Chains * Trustworthy System Designs * Resilient and Robust System Designs * Human in the Loop The application domains covered by TCPS include, but not limited to: Healthcare, Transportation, Automotive, Avionics, Energy, Living Space, and Robotics. For further information and to submit your manuscript, visit http://tcps.acm.org **************************************************************** 14. Journal of Interaction Science call for papers http://news.springer.com/re?l=D0In5ve4pI6hg61ejIa&req=%2F2194 [This is an HCI journal interested in the science behind HCI] Following a very exciting year for open access and Springer in 2014, I would like to share with you some of our 2015 plans for (http://news.springer.com/re?l=D0In5ve4pI6hg61ejIa&req=%2F2194) the Journal of Interaction Science, and encourage you to promote the journal to your network of research contacts. What are we doing? We plan to intensify the marketing activities for the Journal of Interaction Science in 2015. To this end, the SpringerOpen marketing team has been expanded to include new members in Singapore and New York. Their focus will be on an increased volume of call-for-paper campaigns, thematic series promotion and regional marketing efforts. How can you help? As ever, the most powerful tool for promoting a journal is word-of-mouth recommendations from respected colleagues. Accordingly, we hope you will continue to encourage your colleagues to submit their exciting research to the Journal of Interaction Science (http://www.journalofinteractionscience.com/manuscript) To help with this we have increased the number of article-processing charge waivers available for 2015. If you or your colleagues would like to apply for one of these waivers, simply enter the following code into the waiver request box when submitting your next manuscript. Waiver application code*: SPRINGEROPEN20152 If you have questions or if you would like more information about how to apply for an APC waiver, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Best wishes, John Fallows (info(a)springeropen.com) Senior Marketing Manager, SpringerOpen **************************************************************** 15. 2015-2016 ETS Fellowship and Internship Programs in R&D http://www.ets.org/research/fellowships [deadline passed for 2015, but will happen in 2016?] 2015-2016 ETS Fellowship and Internship Programs in R&D ETS Research & Development (R&D) is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 Educational Testing Service (ETS) Fellowship and Internship Programs in R&D The goal of the ETS R&D Fellowship and Internship Programs is to promote quality and distinction in educational assessment and related fields by supporting early-career scientists' and graduate students' participation in significant research and exposure to methodologies within the ETS environment. The programs also provide opportunities for talented scholars and students from diverse backgrounds ? especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups such as African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and American Indians ? to pursue scientific research under the guidance of ETS researchers and psychometricians. These programs encourage research in areas such as: Psychometrics Validity Natural Language Processing and Computational Linguistics Cognitive and Developmental Psychology Learning Sciences Linguistics, Second Language Learning, & Teaching English as a Foreign Language Speech Recognition and Processing Teaching and Classroom Research Statistics Educational Data Mining International Large-Scale Assessments The ETS R&D Fellowship and Internship Programs seek applicants who either hold a doctoral degree or who are enrolled in a doctoral program in one of the fields mentioned above and who are interested in research opportunities. We would like your help in getting this information out to your colleagues and your very best graduate students and alumni. We encourage you and your colleagues to identify strong candidates and ask them to apply. ETS is seeking graduate students for the Summer Internship Program [link with traceback removed] in Research for Graduate Students. The program focuses on major research activities that will occur in 2015. Selected interns conduct research under the guidance of ETS mentors in Princeton, N.J. Graduate students who are currently enrolled in full-time doctoral programs in the areas listed above and who have completed a minimum of two years of coursework toward their PhD or EdD prior to the program start date are eligible to apply. The Harold Gulliksen Psychometric Research Fellowship [link with traceback removed] Program seeks graduate students who have completed their doctoral coursework and are at the dissertation stage of their program, working on a dissertation related to statistics, psychometrics, educational/psychological measurement or quantitative methods. Selected fellows study at their universities and carry out research under the supervision of an academic mentor and in consultation with an ETS researcher or psychometrician. This program's goal is to increase the number of well-trained scientists in educational assessment, psychometrics, and statistics. The Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs are open to individuals who hold doctorates in specific disciplines of interest to ETS. This year we are seeking applications in the following areas of expertise: science cognition, teacher evaluation, K-12 language arts, math and science, and formative assessment and learning in English language learning assessment. The postdoctoral programs provide talented scholars an opportunity to conduct research under the mentorship of ETS researchers and psychometricians. Selected fellows work on ETS research projects and conduct their proposed independent research, which should be relevant to ETS's goals. ETS administers two postdoctoral programs the ETS Postdoctoral Fellowship Program [link with traceback removed], which supports scholars who have received their doctoral degrees within the last three years, and the Sylvia Taylor Johnson Fellowship in Educational Measurement [link with traceback removed], which supports those who received their doctoral degrees within the last 10 years. ETS is particularly interested in receiving applications for the Sylvia Taylor Johnson Fellowship in Educational Measurement [link with traceback removed] from members of groups typically underrepresented in the field of educational measurement/psychometrics. Please take a moment to consider which qualified individuals you believe would benefit from these opportunities and help ETS achieve the programs' goals. Please share this information with your colleagues. Information and application instructions for the programs are available on the ETS website at http://www.ets.org/research/fellowships [link with traceback removed] The application deadline(s) are: Summer Internship Program in Research for Graduate Students 1 Feb 2015 Gulliksen Psychometric Res Fellowship 1 Dec 2014 (preliminary) & 1 Feb 2015 (final) Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs 1 Jan 2015 (prel.) and 1 Mar 15 (final) If you have any questions about the programs, please email internfellowships(a)ets.org. If you are interested in joining our mailing list, please sign up [link with traceback removed] Copyright 2014 by Educational Testing Service. All rights reserved. ETS, the ETS logo and LISTENING. LEARNING. LEADING. are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service (ETS). [used with implied permission] **************************************** 16. 2015 Bio Inspired Cog Arch, Nov 2015, Lyons, France http://liris.cnrs.fr/bica2015 many deadlines past, except for late breaking 2015 Annual International Conference on Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures (BICA 2015) Sixth Annual Meeting of the BICA Society 6-8 Nov (Fri-Sun) 2015, Lyon, France http://liris.cnrs.fr/bica2015 Sponsored by: The BICA Society; The U of Lyon; LIRIS; Elsevier B.V. Points of contact: Amie Cordier (amelie.cordier(a)liris.cnrs.fr) Olivier Georgeon (olivier.georgeon(a)liris.cnrs.fr Alexei Samsonovich (alexei(a)bicasociety.org) Call for Papers Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures (BICAs) are computational frameworks for building intelligent agents that are inspired by biological intelligence. These agents serve both as theoretical models (e.g., in cognitive science, neuroscience, economics and social sciences), and as intelligent controllers for autonomous systems (robots, games characters, smart human/machine interfaces, health applications, etc). Biological intelligent systems (animals, including humans) have many qualities that are often lacking in artificially designed systems; their purpose goes beyond interacting with a closed environment or solving predefined logical problems. At the time when our understanding of natural intelligence is exploding, thanks to modern brain imaging, ethological studies, and the development of cognitive models mapping brain structures with functions, our ability to learn lessons from nature and to build biologically inspired intelligent systems has never been greater. At the same time, the growth in computer science and technology has unleashed enough design creativity and computational power to generate an explosion of applications in multiple domains. Research in Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures contributes to the development of these applications by addressing the numerous questions raised by the problem of replicating natural intelligence, specifically, the complexity of higher cognitive abilities of the human mind, in an artificial system (widely known as the BICA Challenge). These questions are trans-disciplinary in nature and promise to yield multi-directional flow of understanding between all the involved disciplines. Scope With the scope of BICA 2015 covering all areas of BICA research listed below, this year's major thrust will be on learning from experience of sensorimotor interaction. Here, the key questions are: Learning: how a system that has no direct ontological access to reality can construct knowledge about reality based on regularities of interaction? Self-motivation: what key motivational drives (e.g., emotions, behavioral preferences, social interactions) should we incorporate in models of self-motivated cognitive systems? Methodology: how to assess active open-ended learning? What methods can we draw from biology to define and assess intelligent behaviors beyond predefined tasks and pre-modeled problems? Models of interaction with the environment: can we define models of interaction alternative to the traditional perception-cognition-action cognitive cycle? What emergent mathematical foundations can support sensorimotor and other forms of learning? In addition to these focus topic areas of BICA 2015, we encourage submission of papers in all areas relevant to BICA research, especially in the following areas: Neuroscience: B in BICA: useful biological constraints for cog architectures Bridging the gap between artificial & natural info processing Cognitive and learning mechanisms informed by neuroscience Neural correlates of cognitive and meta-cognitive processes Robustness, scalability and adaptability in neuromorphic systems Neurophysiological underpinnings of reinforcement learning Physiological mechanisms of memory formation and (re)consolidation Representation of contextual & conceptual knowl. in neural sys Social, Economic and Educational Sciences: Mixed-initiative systems based on inspirations from biology Agents possessing human-level social, narrative, & emot. intell. BICA in pedagogy, learning, and tutoring technologies & ed BICA models of self and their application to self-awareness Reps, perception, understanding, processing, & emotion expression Virtual characters & narratives, artif. personalities & human-compatibility of BICA Agent-based modeling of intelligent social phenomena (are there any?) Application of BICA technologies in elderly care Cognitive Science: Perception, reasoning, decision making and action in BICA Combining natural and artificial approaches to cognition Comparison of different forms of learning, memory, & cog devel. Theory-of-Mind, episodic & autobiographical memory in cog. sys. Introspection, metacognitive reasoning and self-awareness in BICA Models of learning & memory: robustness, flexibility, transferability Natural and body language & its role in intelligence, cog. & interaction Unifying frameworks and constraints for cog archit.s: grand unification Artificial Intelligence: Creativity, goal reasoning and human-level autonomy in artifacts Embodied vs. ambient intelligence: embedding or embodiment? Natural language capabilities and social competence of BICA Learning by reading, by observation, by reasoning and by analogy Robust and scalable machine learning mechanisms in BICA Self-regulated learning, bootstrapped & meta-learning The place for BICA in tomorrow's textbook of AI General: Math. basis for BICA & fundamental theoretical questions in BICA research Alternative substrates for implementation of BICA: smart materials, quantum and biocomputing Alternative approaches to the develop. of BICA: evolutionary, system-theoretic, educational Fundamental academic, practical & theoretical questions in BICA Cognitive Decathlon & Grand Challenges for BICA as components of the BICA Challenge Critical mass for a universal human-level learner & a roadmap to solving the BICA Challenge Metrics, tests, proximity measures & roadmap to human-level/ human-compatible AI Leveraging the cloud, world-wide-web, & social-media: possible role for BICA? Cybersecurity and secure authentication methods based on BICA Interdisciplinary research opportunities involving BICA Intnl. trends & opportunities in funding BICA related research Format The format of the conference is a 2.5 day meeting including paper presentations, panel discussions, invited talks, and technology demonstration showcases. Symposia and other mini-events (including special sessions, breakout groups, brainstorms, think-tanks, socials, and more) as part of the conference will be added as needed (proposals are solicited). We additionally solicit proposals for panel topics. The working language is English. As part of our rich social and cultural program included in the registration, we are planning a Welcome Reception and a boat trip on the Rh?e and Saone rivers with a banquet on the boat. Publication Venue and Submission All the BICA 2015 papers and abstracts will be included in the electronic volume of proceedings distributed to the conference participants (this volume will not constitute a separate publication). Additionally, each article will be published in one of the two official BICA 2015 venues: A special volume of Elsevier's Procedia Computer Science (http://www.journals.elsevier.com/procedia-computer-science) indexed by Web of Science CPI and Scopus. The BICA Journal (http://www.journals.elsevier.com/biologically-inspired-cognitive-architectu…) an Elsevier journal indexed in Scopus, submitted for indexing in Web of Science. Submission Categories: In accordance with the publication venues, there are the following categories of submission: 1. Papers for the special volume of Procedia Computer Science: 2 page abstract. 6 page paper. Every additional page in excess of this limit should be covered by a fee of 50 E at registration 2. Papers for the BICA Journal (no extra-page charge): Letters (brief communications of new findings): 3k to 6k words. Full Research Articles: approximately 8k to 12k words. Reviews or vision papers may be submitted by invitation only. 3. Stand-alone abstracts (500 words) considered unpublished but included in the conference program brochure and in the electronic volume. Preparation of Submissions: Templates and complete instructions for preparation of submission are available on the BICA2015 website http://liris.cnrs.fr/bica2015/wiki/doku.php/submission None of the initial submission is required to be camera-ready. However, all final paper submissions must be in a camera-ready form prepared based on the provided Procedia templates and must conform to the http://www.elsevier.com/journals/procedia-computer-science/1877-0509/guide-… Core Organizing and Scientific Committee Amie Cordier (Lyon 1, France) General Chair. http://liris.cnrs.fr/amelie.cordier/ Olivier Georgeon (Lyon 1, France) Program Chair http://www.oliviergeorgeon.com/ Salima Hassas (Lyon 1, France) http://liris.cnrs.fr/membres?idn=shassas Laetitia Matignon (Lyon 1, France), Organizing committee member http://liris.cnrs.fr/membres?idn=lmatigno Frederic Armetta (Lyon 1, France), Organizing committee member. http://liris.cnrs.fr/membres?idn=farmetta"> Alexei Samsonovich (GMU, USA) Co-Chair. http://mason.gmu.edu/%7Easamsono Kamilla R. Johannsdoetir, scientific committee Member http://stefania.unak.is/stefania/moja-starfsmadurenska.asp?starfsm=kamilla&… Antonio Chella (U of Palermo, Italy), sci. comm. Member. http://www.antoniochella.it/Antonio/Home.html Christian Lebire (CMU, USA), scientific committee Member. http://www.psy.cmu.edu/people/lebiere.html Paul Robertson, (DOLL Inc, USA), organizing committee member http://www.dollabs.com/drpaulrobertson.htm Important Dates and Deadlines Deadline for proposals of sub-events* 1 May 2015 Paper and abstract submission opens 10 May Deadline for initial submission of papers & abstracts 1 Jun Paper review feedback and notification of acceptance 10 Jul Final paper due 1 Aug Early-bird registration due 10 Aug Regular registration due 20 Aug Late-breaking stand-alone abstract due 1 Oct Conference 6-8 Nov 2015 * (including symposia, workshops, socials, technology demos, panels, etc.) **************************************************************** 17. SBP/BRiMS Conference program and proceedings http://sbp-conference.org/sbp2015/program/ http://sbp-conference.org/sbp2015/downloads/ [held in the spring, will be held again: http://sbp-conference.org/sbp2016/about/ ] I am honored to announce the release of the Behavior Representation in Modeling & Simulation (BRiMS) conference. This year, it re-joined the Social Computing, Behavioral-Cultural Modeling, Prediction (SBP) conference for their SBP2015 in Washington, DC from March 31-April 3, 2015. We're thrilled to get rejoin with SBP as our conferences melded so well together last year. Like last year, the conference fee for SBP will also allow you to attend BRiMS, so it truly is two conferences for the price of one. For us Department of Defense workers still under conference restriction, you should note that this is a unique opportunity for you to present your modeling and simulation work at a conference. We will once again offer video teleconferencing (VTC) to present your accepted papers. For the past three years, we have been unable to attend most conferences and from first-hand knowledge, this has restricted our publication opportunities. Using the VTC option will allow you to get back to presenting your findings to the modeling and simulation community. daniel.n.cassenti.civ(a)mail.mil **************************************************************** 18. Advances in Cognitive Systems, Proceedings http://www.cogsys.org/proceedings/2015 29-31 May 2015 The purpose of the meeting is to bring together researchers with interest in building cognitive systems that are distinguished by a focus on high-level cognition and decision making, reliance on rich, structured representations, a systems-level perspective, use of heuristics to handle complexity, and incorporation of insights about human thinking. The Conference provides a venue for dissemination of research results pertaining to the original, yet unanswered, questions of Artificial Intelligence: to produce computational artifacts that reproduce a broad range of human cognitive abilities. The conference welcomes work on any topic related to the representation or organization of complex knowledge structures, their use in multi-step cognition, or their acquisition from experience or instruction. Some functional capabilities that arise in this context include, but are not limited to: Conceptual Inference and Reasoning Memory Storage and Retrieval Language Processing Social Cognition and Interaction High-level Execution and Control Problem Solving and Heuristic Search Cognitive Aspects of Emotion and Personality Metacognition and Meta-level Reasoning Structural Learning and Knowledge Capture We especially encourage participation from researchers working in these and other areas who are interested in complex cognition, human-level intelligence, and related topics. Accepted long papers will be included in the conference proceedings and also may be invited to appear in the online journal, Advances in Cognitive Systems. The conference aims to be as inclusive as possible while still fostering innovative research on the computational nature of intelligence. The conference FAQ (http://www.cogsys.org/faq) attempts to clarify the scope of the event. Authors who have questions about whether their research is appropriate for the meeting should contact the Program Co-Chairs, Ashok Goel (goel(a)cc.gatech.edu) and Mark Riedl (riedl(a)cc.gatech.edu) for additional information. General Chairs Ashok Goel GIT (goel(a)cc.gatech.edu) Mark Riedl GIT (riedl(a)cc.gatech.edu) Organizing Committee Paul Bello Office of Naval Research Kenneth Forbus Northwestern U John Laird U of Michigan, Ann Arbor Pat Langley U of Auckland / Carnegie Mellon Sergei Nirenburg Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute **************************************************************** 19. Call for Papers and Special Issues, Trans. on Comp. Social Sys. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=6570650 Transactions on Computational Social Systems Co-Sponsored by IEEE Systems, Man and Cybernetics Society and IEEE Computer Society IEEE Transaction on Computational Social Systems began publication in 2014 and welcomes paper submissions that fall within its scope. IEEE Transactions on Computational Social Systems focuses on such topics as modeling, simulation, analysis and understanding of social systems from the quantitative and/or computational perspective. "Systems" include man-man, man-machine and machine-machine organizations and adversarial situations as well as social media structures and their dynamics. More specifically, the transactions publishes articles on modeling the dynamics of social systems, methodologies for incorporating and representing socio-cultural and behavioral aspects in computational modeling, analysis of social system behavior and structure, and paradigms for social systems modeling and simulation. The journal also features articles on social network dynamics, social intelligence and cognition, social systems design and architectures, socio-cultural modeling and representation, and computational behavior modeling, and their applications. Transactions website: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/aboutJournal.jsp?punumber=6570650 Recent articles: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org\xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=6570650 Paper submission information: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tcss For more information: Co-Editor-in-Chief George Cybenko, gvc(a)dartmouth.edu Prof of Engineering, Dartmouth **************************************************************** 20. 19th Conference of the European Society for Cognitive Psychology Sept 2015 http://www.escop2015.org/ [this is another group of cognitive psychologists from what typically attends cognitive science conference, I think. announcement late, but it is recurring.] **************************************************************** 21. Budapest Semester in Cognitive Science http://www.bscs-us.org/ BSCS-US announces a regular and a new study abroad program [next announcement] in Budapest for 2015. Our regular program: BSCS - Budapest Semester in Cognitive Science Philosophy to Neuroscience will be held in the Fall of 2015, see: http://www.bscs-us.org/ . **************************************************************** 22. 6th UK Cognitive Linguistics Conference, July 2016, due: 6 Dec 2015 http://ukclc2016.bangor.ac.uk First announcement / call for abstracts for the 6th UK Cognitive Linguistics Conference 19 - 22 July 2016, Bangor U, Wales, UK http://ukclc2016.bangor.ac.uk We invite the submission of abstracts (for paper or poster presentations) addressing all aspects of cognitive linguistics. The conference aims to cover a broad range of research concerned with language and cognition. We are especially interested in promoting empirical work pertaining to cognitive semantics, embedded discourse, and applied cognitive linguistics. Thematic sessions will be organised around the following topics: *Functional approaches to cognitive linguistics *Cognitive linguistic approaches to language teaching *Lexicology and lexical concepts *Language and space *Embodiment *Analogy and conceptual transfer *Situated cognition and language In addition to these themes, other relevant topics include: *Domains and frame semantics *Categorisation, prototypes and polysemy *Mental spaces and conceptual blending *Language evolution *Linguistic variation and language change *Gesture *Typology and constructional analyses of the languages of the world *Acquisition *Corpora and statistical methods *Metaphor and discourse *Cognitive computational models Cognitive linguistics is by definition highly interdisciplinary, and so in addition to primarily linguistic research, we also invite language related submissions that are based on disciplines such as (cognitive and social) psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, anthropology, biology, artificial intelligence, and discourse and communication studies. Bangor is widely recognised as one of the most scenic university settings in the UK [England], set between the famous Snowdonia Mountains and the sea. The location, the scenery and the surrounding area are amongst the reasons why Bangor U enjoys rising student numbers and continuously attracts researchers from around the world for conferences and extended research visits, spanning many disciplines and research areas. This provides an ideal setting for an intense and thought provoking interdisciplinary conference, following the spirit of previous UK-CLCs. The cathedral and university city of Bangor is easily reached through excellent road and railway networks, with easy connections to London, Manchester, and Liverpool airports. It is situated between the historical cities of Conwy and Caernarfon, with their famous castles and many further attractions close by for social events and conference outings. Confirmed plenary speakers: *Penelope Brown (Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, NL) *Kenny Coventry (U of East Anglia, UK) *Vyv Evans (Bangor U, UK) *Dirk Geeraerts (U of Leuven, BE) *Len Talmy (U at Buffalo, NY, USA) *Dedre Gentner (Northwestern U, IL, USA) Key dates *Abstract deadline: 6 Dec 2015 *Decisions communicated by: 15 Feb 2016 *Pre-conference workshops: Mon Jul 18, 2016 *Main conference: Tue July 19 - Fri Jul 22, 2016 Talks will be 20 minutes plus 10 minutes for questions and discussion. There will also be a poster session. The language of the conference is English. Abstracts of no more than 300 words (excluding references) will be submitted using EasyChair (please check the conference website at http://ukclc2016.bangor.ac.uk for updates). Participants will be allowed to present at most one talk (as a single or first author) and one poster, but can be co-authors on other work. Please indicate on your abstract if you intend the submission for a poster. All abstracts will be subject to double-blind peer review by an international scientific committee. Since 2012 UK-CLA has published selected conference presentations in the series 'Selected Papers from UK-CLA Meetings' (ISSN 2046-9144); UK-CLC6 will continue this tradition. Registration fees will be on a par with previous UK-CLC conferences. In addition to the benefits of the conference, registration will now also include membership in the UK-CLA (Cognitive Linguistics Association) including free online access to the Language & Cognition journal for a year. Chair: Thora Tenbrink (t.tenbrink(a)bangor.ac.uk) Co-chairs: Christopher Shank, Alan Wallington Local management: Javier Olloqui Redondo, Josie Ryan Queries: ukclc2016(a)bangor.ac.uk **************************************************************** 23. Study abroad summer program: Systems Neuroscience in Budapest http://sysneuro-semester.org/ [passed, but may re-occur] We open also a new program: Systems Neuroscience: a study abroad summer program Program dates: June 8th- Aug 7th, 2015 The BSCS Systems Neuroscience Program takes place at and academically supervised by the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis U Medical School, Budapest. For details, see: http://sysneuro-semester.org/ **************************************************************** 24. NASA calls for proposals http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/ [I have not worked with these calls, but have been on a review panel. Cognitive modeling may be applied or used for several of these calls. You may wish to examine the funding rate and the calls online.] A National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Research Announcement (NRA), entitled, "Human Exploration Research Opportunities (HERO)" (NRA NNJ15ZSA001N), will be [was?] released on July 31, 2015. This NRA will solicit research in support of NASA's Human Research Program (HRP). The solicitation will be available at http://nspires.nasaprs.com. The HRP contains six Elements: Space Radiation, Human Health and Countermeasures, Exploration Medical Capability, Behavioral Health and Performance, Space Human Factors and Habitability, and International Space Station Medical Project. Fourteen disciplines or areas support the Program: Behavioral Health and Performance, Bone, Cardiovascular, Extravehicular Activity, Immunology, Medical Capabilities, Muscle, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Radiation, Sensorimotor, Advanced Food Technology, Advanced Environmental Health, and Space Human Factors Engineering. **************************************************************** 25. Postdoc in Team Decision Dynamics at RPI until filled https://rpijobs.rpi.edu/postings/2587 *Postdoc in Team Decision Dynamics at RPI* A 12-month, full-time postdoctoral scholar position in team decision making is available beginning on or after 1 September 2015 in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The position is associated with an NSF-supported project on post-disaster distributed decision making (NSF CMMI-1363513, PI David Mendonca, Co-PI Martha Grabowski), as described here: http://nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1363513. Applicants should have a PhD in an appropriate field (including but not limited to Industrial Engineering, Human Factors, Information/Computer Science, and Cognitive Systems) at the time of their appointment. Programming and data management experience are a plus. Opportunities of this position include collaborative publishing, shared management of project personnel, professional presentations, and development of proposals for follow-up research. Renewal beyond the initial 12-month appointment is dependent upon performance and the availability of funds. To apply, interested applicants should submit the following items in PDF format: (1) a cover letter, including the applicant's qualifications and career plans, (2) a current CV, and (3) contact information for three professional references. Please see https://rpijobs.rpi.edu/postings/2587 for specific instructions. Review of applications will begin immeidately and continue until the position is filled. Please direct any questions about this position to David Mendonca (mendod(a)rpi.edu) **************************************************************** 26. Postdoc ACS Lab, Penn State [Reitter] http://acs.ist.psu.edu/ Postdoc position @ Applied Cognitive Science Lab, College of Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State. We're beginning new, NSF-funded research in the areas of linguistics and computational social science. Generally, we seek to model cognitive processes using large-scale datasets and experimentation. Our recent core contributions have been in psycholinguistic models of natural-language dialogue and in decision making. Our work in cognitive science is fueled by advances in computing. In turn, we translate progress in cognitive science to contributions in computer science, recently in cybersecurity and machine learning. We are looking for a postdoc with training in one or more of the following areas: cognitive science (e.g., compt. psycholinguistics & data-driven modeling), deep connectionist representations, and natural language processing and information retrieval. While the successful applicant is likely to focus on some areas, strong practical computational skills and a research interest in cognition or linguistics are required. Duties will include contributing to a project that combines crowd-sourcing and natural language processing to curate a dataset for peace research. Beyond that, the post-doc is primarily expected to build a strong research agenda, but may also collaborate in the graduate students' projects and teach. The initial appointment would be for one year and is renewable. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a relevant area (or be in the final stages of obtaining one) and a strong record of publications. The PI's group currently consists of four Ph.D. students engaged in research on corpus-based cognitive linguistics, decision-making, and machine learning. Penn State provides a strong environment for work in the area, with its Center for Language Science, Departments of Psychology and Computer Science, and IST (Penn State's "iSchool"), which is home to the ACS Lab. IST is collaborative and can provide interaction with researchers in psychology, data mining, AI/machine learning, computational social science, security, and more. Penn State is located in central Pennsylvania, within driving distance to Pittsburgh, New York, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Please direct informal inquiries to David Reitter, reitter(a)psu.edu. Job ad and formal applications: https://psu.jobs/job/58861 **************************************************************** 27. Programmer in biology for simulation and analysis Penn State I spoke with Prof. Katriona (Kat) Shea in July, a prof in biology at Penn State. She found me because one of my students applied for the position below. She's having trouble filling this position. It is modeling aspects of Ebola on a behavioral level. Some modeling, some analysis, some R. It looks interesting, timely, societyly important, and her support has a short fuse -- it is a one-year NSF grant that has already started. She can cover post-doc, grad student, or UG hours. Or contract programmer. Open until filled. Salary is competitive with university salaries. =---------------------- A Programmer/Analyst position is available in the Dept of Biology, to develop stochastic simulations of a range of published epidemiological models of Ebola. The ideal candidate will need strong programming skills and experience in stochastic simulation of dynamic systems; will demonstrate strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills; and be able to work well both independently and as part of a collaborative team. An interest in epidemiology and co-authoring publications is desirable, but not essential. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in R, JavaScript, C, C++, and Python OR a combination - to translate PI's previous work on the in R and the ability to translate from R to the chosen project language will be essential. The programmer will work with: Dr. Katriona Shea (http://www.bio.psu.edu/People/Faculty/Shea/) Dr. Matthew Ferrari (http://www.cidd.psu.edu/people/mjf283) and Dr. Ottar Bjornstad (http://www.cidd.psu.edu/people/onb1) in the Department of Biology (www.bio.psu.edu) and the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics (www.cidd.psu.edu) at the Pennsylvania State U. All applications must be submitted electronically (email initially) and should include a cover letter stating relevant experience and interests, a current CV or resume, and contact information for three references. For additional information about the position, contact Katriona Shea (k-shea(a)psu.edu; 814-321-4809). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled. This job will be filled as a level 2, or level 3, depending upon the successful candidate's competencies, education, and experience. This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with possibility of re-funding. **************************************************************** 28. Chaired profs in Math Psych/Cog sciences https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/apply/JPF03041 1 dec 15 until filled U of California, Irvine Chaired Profs in Mathematical Psychology/Cognitive Sciences The Department of Cognitive Sciences (www.cogsci.uci.edu) at the U of California, Irvine (UCI) invites applications for faculty positions associated with the Falmagne Endowed Chairs in Mathematical Psychology/Cognitive Sciences. Applicants should have an exemplary track record of implementing innovative mathematical approaches to important questions in psychology or cognitive science. We are especially interested in candidates at the advanced Associate or Full Prof level whose research focus is in either human cognition or visual perception, and related areas of specialization. Information about the Chairs at: http://www.cogsci.uci.edu/falmagnechairs.php. The online application includes: A cover letter, CV, research and teaching statements, 3 major publications, and contact information for 3-5 referees. Interested candidates can apply for the position at: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/apply/JPF03041. Application review will commence on 1 Dec 2015 and continue until filled. ---------- Jeff Krichmar, jkrichma(a)uci.edu Department of Cognitive Sciences U of California, Irvine Irvine, CA 92697-5100 http://www.socsci.uci.edu/~jkrichma comp-neuro@neuroin **************************************************************** 29. Florida International, open rank and instructor in CS due 31 dec 15 The School of Computing and Information Sciences (SCIS) seeks exceptionally qualified candidates for tenure-track and tenured faculty positions at all levels as well as non-tenure track faculty positions at the level of Instructor, including visiting instructor appointments. SCIS is a rapidly growing program of excellence at the University, with 30 tenure-track faculty members and over 2,000 students, including over 80 PhD students. SCIS offers BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Computer Science, an M.S. degree in Telecommunications and Networking, an MS degree in Cybersecurity, and BS, BS, and MS degrees in Information Technology. SCIS has received over $22M in the last four years in external research funding, has six research centers/clusters with first-class computing and support infrastructure, and enjoys broad and dynamic industry and international partnerships. Open-Rank Tenure Track/Tenured Positions (Job ID# 508676) SCIS seeks exceptionally qualified candidates for tenure-track and tenured faculty positions at all levels. We seek well-qualified candidates in all areas; researchers in the areas of computer systems, cybersecurity, cognitive computing, data science, health informatics, and networking are particularly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to candidates who will enhance or complement our existing research strengths. Ideal candidates for junior positions should have a record of exceptional research in their early careers. Candidates for senior positions must have an active and proven record of excellence in funded research, publications, and professional service, as well as a demonstrated ability to develop and lead collaborative research projects. In addition to developing or expanding a high-quality research program, all successful applicants must be committed to excellence in teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. An earned PhD in CS or related disciplines is required. Non-tenure track instructor positions (Job Opening 507474) We seek well-qualified candidates in all areas of Computer Science and Information Technology. Ideal candidates must be committed to excellence in teaching a variety of courses at the undergraduate level. A graduate degree in CS or related disciplines is required; significant prior teaching and industry experience and/or a PhD in CS is preferred. Florida International University is recognized as a Carnegie engaged university. It is a public research university with colleges and schools that offers more than 180 bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, international relations, architecture, law and medicine. As one of South Florida's anchor institutions, FIU contributes $9.8B annually to the local economy. FIU emphasizes research as a major component of its mission. FIU has awarded over 200,000 degrees and enrolls more than 54,000 students in two campuses and three centers including FIU Downtown on Brickell, FIU@I-75, and the Miami Beach Urban Studios. FIU also supports artistic and cultural engagement through its three museums: the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, the Wolfsonian-FIU, and the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. FIU is a member of Conference USA and has over 400 student-athletes participating in 18 sports. For more information about FIU, visit http://www.fiu.edu/. HOW TO APPLY: Qualified candidates for open- rank faculty positions are encouraged to apply to (Job Opening ID #508676); and candidates for instructor positions are encouraged to apply to (Job Opening ID # 507474). Submit applications at facultycareers.fiu.edu and attach cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, research statement, etc as individual attachments. Candidates will be required to provide names and contact information for at least 3 references who will be contacted as determined by the search committee. To receive full consideration, applications and required materials should be received by 31 dec 2015. Review will continue until position is filled. If you are interested in a visiting appointment please contact the department directly by emailing Dr. Mark Weiss at Weiss(a)cis.fiu.edu. All other applicants should apply by going to facultycareers.fiu.edu. **************************************************************** 30. Postdoctoral researcher needed, Wright State U POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW Human Neuroscience and Visual Cognition & ASTECCA Laboratories, Department of Psychology, Wright State U We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to take a leading role in our research on the neurocognitive correlates of attentional control and lapses of attention in semi-structured ecological settings. The goal of this project is to rigorously characterize the relationship between laboratory measures of attentional control and failures of attention in realistic task contexts. We specifically aim to combine cognitive behavioral studies, ERP experiments, and computational modeling to test the extent to which laboratory measures can predict individual differences in susceptibility to attentional failures. We will investigate how these combined measures can be used to identify which individuals are most likely to benefit from a cognitive training paradigm aimed at enhancing attentional control. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for designing the studies, programming the experimental paradigms, recruiting participants, and collecting the data. In addition, the fellow will be responsible for data analysis and reporting the research findings in peer-reviewed journals. The position is fully funded for three years. The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology, Computer Science, or any other related discipline by the start date of the position. Experience in computer programming, especially with Matlab, and familiarity with fMRI or EEG research are required. Experience in computational cognitive modeling will be considered a strong advantage. The Department of Psychology is housed in the College of Science and Mathematics, offers a PhD in Human Factors and Industrial/ Organizational Psychology, and has 3 undergraduate concentration areas: (1) Cognition and Perception, (2) Industrial/ Organizational, and (3) Behavioral Neuroscience. Wright State U was recently ranked among the "Best in the Midwest" universities by The Princeton Review, listed among 260 Best National Universities in the annual "America's Best Colleges" rankings by US News & World Report, and ranked 4rth nationally among universities with limited numbers of doctoral programs in the Faculty Scholarly Productivity Index. Wright State U is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. For more information on this position contact Assaf Harel, PhD assaf.harel(a)wright.edu or Ion Juvina, PhD ion.juvina(a)wright.edu. Applicants should visit the following link to upload CV and statement of research: http://jobs.wright.edu/postings/9380 . In addition, please have three letters of reference sent directly to Ion Juvina, Assistant Prof, Psychology, 313G Fawcett Hall, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Wright State U, Dayton, OH 45435. Review of complete applications will begin 8 Aug 2015, and continue until the position is filled. All new hires must go through a criminal background check before they can be hired. **************************************************************** 31. Postdoctoral researcher, CMU email John Anderson I am looking for a postdoctoral researcher. The work in our laboratory involves developing ACT-R models of the learning of complex skills and relating these models to the temporal structure of fMRI, EEG, and MEG data. An appropriate candidate would have relevant background in some aspects of such work and an interest in learning other aspects. Interested candidates should email their CV to me (ja(a)cmu.edu) and contact me with any questions about the position. John R. Anderson, ja(a)cmu.edu Prof of Psychology and Computer Science Carnegie Mellon U Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-417-7008 http://act.psy.cmu.edu/ **************************************************************** 32. Postdoc ACS Lab, Penn State [Ritter] Postdoc position @ Applied Cognitive Science Lab, College of IST, Penn State. We've started a 5-year project on learning, tutoring, and maintenance funded by ONR. It related to the D2P project, Herbal, and work on measuring and modeling learning. We anticipate hiring a post-doc in the summer of 2016. If you are interested, please stay in touch. Work will be with the D2P system (http://acs.ist.psu.edu/projects/d2p) Please direct informal inquiries to Frank.ritter(a)psu.edu Job ad and formal applications to follow in Summer 2016. **************************************************************** 33. Post-doc, Rice U, due 1 oct 2015 https://jobs.rice.edu/postings/4748 From: Mike Byrne (byrne(a)rice.edu> Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2015 14:24:45 -0500 To: act-r-users(a)act-r.psy.cmu.edu The Computer-Human Interaction Laboratory (CHIL) at Rice U is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to take a leading role in an NSF-funded project on using ACT-R to assess the usability of voting systems, particularly the design of ballots. The position starts October 1, 2015. The position is fully funded for two years, with possible continuation contingent on additional funding. The ideal candidate has (or will have) a PhD in cognitive psychology, cognitive science or computer science, with experience in ACT-R modeling and a strong programming background. Further details can be found at Rice U's jobs web site, https://jobs.rice.edu/postings/4748 . Please direct questions to Mike Byrne(a)rice.edu. **************************************************************** 34. Postdoc in Games, Play, and Motivational Design @ Northeastern U https://neu.peopleadmin.com/postings/36635 , posted July 2015 Apologies for cross-posting: I you are or know someone who might want to work with me and the fab faculty at the Northeastern U on game design, gameful design, embarrassment, motivation, and all that fun stuff: I have a postdoc position open immediately. Of course, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. # General Info Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate Requisition Number: STFR002325 Division/College: College of Arts, Media and Design Location: Boston Main Campus Full-time/Part-time: Full Time Posting Date: 07/13/2015 Link: https://neu.peopleadmin.com/postings/36635 # Responsibilities The Playable Innovative Technologies (PLAIT) Lab at Northeastern U is seeking a Post Doctoral Research Associate (Post Doc) to join our fast-growing game research group (http://www.northeastern.edu/games) The position involves assisting in quantitative and qualitative empirical studies, helping in the design of applied games and playful experiences, and writing research papers around designing for engagement and enjoyment in and beyond game play. Additional responsibilities include grant proposal preparation and laboratory management. Game play is a subject-environment ecology purposefully designed to create enjoyment, motivation, and engagement. The Post Doc will be involved in advancing the state of knowledge of how design features and contextual circumstances together afford motivation and enjoyment in and beyond games, and how to translate such knowledge into a form useful for designers. The Post Doc will help in writing review articles and grant proposals on particular motives. The main responsibilities will be to help set up and run research studies and publish about these. The Post Doc will get the opportunity to become involved in the development of motivational systems and to supervise graduate and undergraduate students. Current example projects are developing a system for automatic difficulty balancing of citizen science games (http://j.mp/1KvX7Ae) identifying how embarrassment acts as a hurdle to engagement and how to reduce it (http://j.mp/1RUOKgu) or understanding how the context of serious games in schools affects their experience and effectiveness. Work will be performed under the guidance of Dr. Sebastian Deterding, an Assistant Prof of Game Design. As most projects will involve collaborations with other PLAIT members and faculty across Northeastern U and around the globe, the Post Doc will have the opportunity to interact with and become visible to a wide variety of researchers and industry partners. # Qualifications We seek candidates who hold a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Cognitive Science, Learning Science, Psychology, Sociology or related areas at the time of starting their position. Successful candidates will have an interdisciplinary background, an clear research interest in games, and expertise in quantitative and qualitative empirical research. Candidates should ideally have experience with game or user experience design, the development of interactive systems, and grant preparation. # Additional Information This is a 1-year position with the possibility of 1 year renewal contingent on funding and performance. We hope to fill this position as soon as possible and we will review applications as they arrive. The position is open until filled. For more information, please contact Dr. Sebastian Deterding (deterding(a)neu.edu) http://codingconduct.cc **************************************************************** 35. School of Information Tech, Carleton U - Assistant Prof URL too long! Tenure Track Position in HCI, games or Digital Media at Carleton U from CHI-JOBS(a)LISTSERV.ACM.ORG School of Information Technology - Assistant Prof Carleton U http://carleton.ca/facultyrecruitment/2015/school-of-information-technology… (Applications will be considered until the position has been filled) The School of Information Technology invites applications from qualified candidates for a Tenure Track appointment at the rank of Assistant Prof beginning 1 Jul 2015. We are interested in candidates with expertise in the area of interactive digital media with a focus on computer games, HCI, multimedia systems and networks. Relevance to big data is desirable. Successful candidates are expected to pursue an active research program, perform both graduate and undergraduate teaching and supervise graduate students (at the Master's and PhD levels), and undergraduate senior projects. Participation in the development and operation of the School is an integral element of the position. The School has 8 full time faculty and offers a Bachelor of Information Technology degree in three distinct programs: Interactive Multimedia and Design, Network Technology, and Photonics and Laser Technology. All programs provide an innovative mix of courses drawing on a variety of disciplines and combine a strong foundation in academic theory with hands-on training. The School also participates in the multidisciplinary graduate program in HCI. New Graduate programs in Digital Media, and Networking; and an undergraduate program in Information Resource Management are under development. Further information on the School of Information Technology can be obtained at www.csit.carleton.ca. More information on the U is available at the Faculty Recruitment and Support Web site: www.carleton.ca/facultyrecruitment. Information about the undergraduate programs can obtained at www.bitdegree.ca A PhD in a field relevant to interactive digital media, multimedia systems, games, HCI or networks is required. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate an existing record of research with publications at top-tier international forums; have evidence of strong teaching ability or potential; present a plan to develop an externally-funded program offering exceptional training opportunities and pursue dynamic partnerships with industry and government organizations Applications, including a curriculum vitae and statements of teaching and research interests, should be emailed in one single PDF document to: hiring(a)csit.carleton.ca. Applicants should also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent either directly or by email. Email letters should include contact information of the author for verification purposes. Applications will not be considered complete until the letters are received. Initial screening of complete applications will begin on May 15, 2015 and continue until an applicant is chosen and the position is filled. Please indicate in your application if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. -- Carleton U -- Located in Ottawa, Ontario, Carleton U is a dynamic and innovative research and teaching institution committed to developing solutions to real world problems by pushing the boundaries of knowledge and understanding. Its internationally recognized faculty, staff, and researchers provide academic opportunities in more than 65 programs of study to more than 27,000 full- and part-time students, from every province and more than 100 countries around the world. Carleton's creative, interdisciplinary, and international approach to research has led to many significant discoveries and creative work in science and technology, business, governance, public policy, and the arts. Those applicants that are selected for an interview will be requested to contact the Chair of the Search Committee as soon as possible to discuss any accommodation requirements. Arrangements will be made to accommodate requests in a timely manner. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. All positions are subject to budgetary approval. --- Audrey Girouard, PhD Audrey.Girouard(a)CARLETON.CA School of Information Technology, AP 230 D Carleton U http://cil.csit.carleton.ca/ **************************************************************** 36. 4 postdocs and RAs in AI consciousness, Tokyo http://www.araya.org/eng 4 Postdoctoral and/or RA positions at Araya Brain Imaging, Tokyo, Japan. Four postdoctoral positions (or RA positions) are available to work on a JST (Japan Science and Technology) funded CREST research project on "Towards constructing artificial consciousness based on the integrated information theory (IIT)" (PIs: Kanai, Kawanabe and Maekawa, Co-PIs: Tsuchiya and Oizumi), which will run for 5.5 years from Oct 2015. The initial appointment will be for one year, with renewal based upon satisfactory performance and evaluation. Salary will be commensurate with experience. We are looking for young researchers (i.e., RAs, late-stage candidates for MSc or PhD degrees, or postdoctoral fellows) whose main research interest is the neuronal basis of consciousness, artificial intelligence, and/or the integrated information theory (IIT) of consciousness. There are 4 main projects: 1. Evolving artificial intelligent systems in complex game environments 2. Constructing systems with flexible sensory, cognitive and motor capability using deep neural networks (DNN) 3. Evaluation of integrated information in artificial systems 4. Empirical tests of IIT in real neural systems You will be employed at Araya Brain Imaging (CEO: Kanai) in Japan for all projects, but the actual location of work depends on the project. Projects 1 and 2 will mainly take place within Araya Brain Imaging in Tokyo, Japan, whereas Projects 3 and 4 will be conducted at Monash University, Australia. All projects will be supervised by Ryota Kanai (Araya), Naotsugu Tsuchiya (Monash) and Masafumi Oizumi (Monash and RIKEN, Japan). Researchers in all projects are expected to travel between Japan and Australia frequently (at least twice a year) to maximise interactions within the team. For each project, the exact requirement for experience and skills differ, but excellent programming and mathematical skills (especially familiarity in advanced statistics, machine learning and information theory) will be essential in all projects. Research Assistants are expected to learn those skills upon appointment. Excellence in written and oral English communication skills, as supported by objective publication recorded, is essential for postdoctoral applicants. Most importantly the enthusiasm to solve consciousness is mandatory. Araya Brain Imaging is a rapidly growing start-up located in Tokyo. While being a private company, our priority is the quality in research that drives innovation in neurotechnology. Many of the Araya members have been trained abroad (UK and US) and we are aiming to build an international hub for artificial consciousness. http://www.araya.org/eng Monash University, one of the eight top universities in Australia (G8), is forming a strong cluster of consciousness researchers, ranging from philosophers, neurophysiologists, and psychologists with excellent cognitive neuroscience tools available (simultaneous EEG & fMRI experiments and EEG/TMS & fMRI experiments at Monash Brain Imaging facility, which hosts a research-only MRI scanner, EEG, TMS and eye tracking. http://mbi.monash.edu.au/ Interested candidates are encouraged to send a CV, statement of research accomplishments and interests, PDF copies of representative publications, and contact information for 2 reference letters to: Yoshiko Tan (postdoc(a)araya.org) for questions and application. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. Ryota Kanai CEO of Araya Brain Imaging **************************************************************** 37. CS@Virginia Tech, tenure track http://www.cs.vt.edu/FacultySearch Virginia Tech's Department of Computer Science is hiring Tenure-Track Faculty positions in areas related to HCI. An Interactive Computing position includes human-computer interaction, graphics, intelligent user interfaces, visualization, visual analytics, human interaction with big data, augmented reality, tangible interfaces, human-robot interaction, game design, creativity support, or computing in the arts and humanities. There are also open positions in Data Analytics and Cyber Security. See details below. Please forward on to others who may be interested. Thanks, -Chris North -------------------- Faculty Search - 2015/16 FACULTY POSITIONS DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, http://www.cs.vt.edu/FacultySearch VIRGINIA TECH The Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech http://www.cs.vt.edu/ seeks applicants for tenure-track faculty positions in three areas: interactive computing, cyber security, and data analytics. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Computer Science or related field at the time of appointment, a rank-appropriate record of scholarship and collaboration in computing and interdisciplinary areas, sensitivity to issues of diversity in the campus community, and will be required to teach at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels. The position requires occasional travel to professional conferences and meetings. Tenure-track Assistant Prof in Interactive Computing - Blacksburg, VA Strong candidates from any area related to interactive computing are encouraged to apply. Exceptional candidates at higher ranks will also be considered. Candidates who complement existing strengths in human-computer interaction, graphics, intelligent user interfaces, visualization, visual analytics, human interaction with big data, augmented reality, tangible interfaces, human-robot interaction, game design, creativity support, or computing in the arts and humanities are especially encouraged. Candidates have opportunities for collaboration in the interdisciplinary Center for Human-Computer Interaction (http://hci.vt.edu/) that includes 30 faculty across campus, the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (http://icat.vt.edu/) housed in the new Moss Center for the Arts, and the Discovery Analytics Center (http://dac.cs.vt.edu/) Applications must be submitted online to (http://jobs.vt.edu/) for posting # TR0150108. Applicant screening will begin on November 20, 2015 and continue until each position is filled. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Chris North, Search Committee Chair, north(a)vt.edu. Tenure-track Assistant Prof in Cyber Security - Blacksburg, VA Candidates with expertise in cyber security, including technologies for and applications in information security, network security, and trustworthy computing are encouraged to apply. Candidates focusing on security issues of cyber-physical systems, embedded systems, sensor networks, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), etc. are especially encouraged. The candidate will join the CS department and also participate in an interdisciplinary team of five faculty in Advanced Manufacturing and share common space and equipment, leveraging established labs and the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (http://www.ccam-va.com/>www.ccam-va.com/) a public-private partnership in Virginia. There is an active group of cyber security faculty in CS and ECE departments collaborating in research as well as graduate and undergraduate education (see: http://www.cyber.vt.edu/) Applications must be submitted online to http://jobs.vt.edu/ for posting # TR0150107. Applicant screening will begin on November 20, 2015 and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Ali Butt, Search Committee Chair, butta(a)cs.vt.edu Associate/Full Prof in Data Analytics - National Capital Region (NCR) Candidates with research depth and breadth in data analytics, data mining, "big data", or data science are encouraged to apply. Candidates working at the intersection of data analytics and cyber-security and at the intersection of data analytics and urban computing are especially encouraged. Candidates should present a proven ability to initiate and sustain collaborations within computing as well as with application specialists. The department is home to the Discovery Analytics Center (http://dac.cs.vt.edu/) that leads "big data" research on campus. The successful candidate will contribute to the research and graduate programs in the NCR and collaborate with faculty at Virginia Tech's campus in Blacksburg, VA. The NCR campus (http://www.ncr.vt.edu/) is located near the Washington D.C./Falls Church area and houses the Virginia Tech Research Center (http://www.ncr.vt.edu/arlington) in Arlington, VA. Applications must be submitted online to http://jobs.vt.edu/ for posting # TR0150106. Applicant screening will begin on November 20, 2015 and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Naren Ramakrishnan, Search Committee Chair, naren(a)cs.vt.edu. The Department of Computer Science has 40 research oriented tenure-track faculty and ~10 postdocs/research faculty. There are a total 12 NSF/DOE CAREER awardees in the department. Research expenditures for FY2015 were $412 thousand per tenure-track faculty member (i.e., a total of $15.5 million); total research funding at the beginning of FY2015 was $43.4 million. BS, MS, and PhD degrees are offered, with a growing enrollment of over 610 undergraduate majors (14% women) and over 270 PhD/MS students. In 2010, CS@VT was ranked 5th in the country in recruiting quality of CS undergrads by the Wall Street Journal. The department is in the College of Engineering, whose undergraduate program was ranked 8th and graduate program was ranked 12th among public engineering schools in 2014 by U.S. News & World Report. Early applications are encouraged. We welcome applications from women or minorities. Salary for suitably qualified applicants is competitive and commensurate with experience. Selected candidates must pass a criminal background check prior to employment. **************************************************************** 38. Lecturer/SL in games, U. of Lincoln, England http://games.lincoln.ac.uk/. The U of Lincoln, UK, is looking for a Lecturer / Senior Lecturer (equiv. Asst / Assoc Prof in the US & Canada) in Games Computing, possibly with a research background in HCI. The full posting is available via https://jobs.lincoln.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=COS235, and more info on our more recent games research is available at http://games.lincoln.ac.uk/. **************************************************************** 39. Information Science, UC/Boulder, due 2 Nov 2015 http://www.jobsatcu.com:80/postings/107999, position number F02925. U of Colorado Boulder Dept of Information Science The newly established Department of Information Science in the College of Media, Communication and Information at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU) seeks outstanding candidates for multiple tenure-track positions at all ranks. Successful candidates will help shape the future of Information Science--as a Department and as a discipline--and support the growth trajectory of the new College. The Department takes a progressive approach to the discipline of Information Science, focusing on human-data interaction in all its diverse forms and contexts. The College of Media, Communication and Information (CMCI) is the first new college at CU in 53 years. CMCI is at the forefront of the revolution in communication and digital technology, and is a distinctive, collaborative, interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial enterprise where students engage with world-class faculty to learn, create and analyze media content in its many forms. CMCI is establishing a new standard for teaching and scholarship in communication, media and information. The roster of the Department's founding faculty reveals a diversity of backgrounds and interests that constitutes a shared commitment to progressive visions of Information Science. Our current faculty have training in multiple disciplines that include Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Computer-Supported Cooperative Work, Data Science, Education, Human-Computer Interaction, Humanities, Informatics, Law, Media Studies, and Psychology. Furthermore, the Department sits in a College that includes faculty with whom we have close relationships in Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design; Communication; Critical Media Practices; Intermedia Art, Writing and Performance; Journalism; and Media Studies. In addition, the Department's research and educational missions are enhanced by multiple cross-disciplinary relationships across the university at large. Finally, the Department of Information Science collaborates extensively with the Department of Computer Science and is a member of the campus-wide Human-Centered Computing community. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Information Science, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Candidates must show evidence of or an ability to develop an independent research program; a commitment to teaching and creating a diverse educational environment; and a desire to contribute to a rapidly expanding institutional environment. Applications will be evaluated beginning 2 Nov 2015. The search will continue until positions are filled. Applications must include a letter of interest specifying an area of specialization and how that relates to the broader mission of information science; curriculum vitae; statements of research and teaching; and contact information for at least three references. CU Boulder is a research university with about 25,000 undergraduates and 6,000 graduate students. The city of Boulder is a high-tech hub, with the highest concentration of tech startups in the US at 2.5 times the density of Silicon Valley, according to the Kauffman Foundation. Boulder is also home to 4 national labs--NCAR, NIST, NOAA, and NREL--which support additional opportunities for scientific and technical collaboration. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains yet only 27 miles from Denver, Boulder is frequently named one of the most desirable places in the US to live. The University of Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the ADA Coordinator at hr-ada(a)colorado.edu. Applications must be submitted online at http://www.jobsatcu.com:80/postings/107999, position number F02925. ============================ Leysia Palen Prof of Computer Science Prof and Founding Chair of Information Science University of Colorado, Boulder http://www.cs.colorado.edu/~palen/ **************************************************************** 40. CS@U Central FL, tenure track https://www.jobswithucf.com/postings/43185 The Computer Science Division in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at UCF invites applications for three tenure-track (or tenured) positions at the assistant or associate prof level, starting Fall 2016. Successful candidates will have a record of high-quality publications and be recognized for their expertise and the impact of their research. We welcome exceptional applicants from all CS research areas though we are particularly interested in applicants in the following areas: cyber security, algorithms and the theory of computing, and human-computer interaction. Computer Science (CS) at UCF has a rapidly-growing educational and research program with over $4.5 million in research contracts and expenditures annually and over 215 graduate students. Computer Science has strong areas of research in Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Virtual and Mixed Reality, Big Data, and HCI. The CS division is also well-known for the success of its two-time defending National Champion Cyber Defense team and the exceptional record of its programming teams in regional, national, and world competitions. More information about the Computer Science division can be found at http://www.cs.ucf.edu/. UCF has the top-tier Carnegie Foundation designation of a "very high research activity" university. Research sponsors include NSF, NIH, NASA, DOT, DARPA, ONR, and other agencies of the DOD. Industry sponsors include AMD, Boeing, Canon, Electronic Arts, General Dynamics, Harris, Hitachi, Intel, Lockheed Martin, Oracle, SAIC, Symantec, Toyota USA, and Walt Disney World, as well as local startups. UCF is the nation's second largest university and is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the third most up-and-coming university in terms of innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, and student life. Located in Orlando, UCF is at the center of the I-4 High Tech Corridor. The corridor has an excellent industrial base that includes software, defense, space, simulation and training, and a world-renowned entertainment industry. Adjacent to UCF is a thriving research park that hosts more than 100 high-technology companies and the UCF Institute for Simulation and Training. The Central Florida area is designated by the state of Florida as the Center of Excellence in Modeling and Simulation. UCF also features the College of Medicine (COM) which opened in 2009 and is fully accredited. Great weather, easy access to the seashore, one of the largest convention centers in the nation, and one of the world's best airports are just a few features that make Orlando an ideal location. To apply: https://www.jobswithucf.com/postings/43185 **************************************************************** 41. Assoc/Full Prof, Learning Science/EDM/LAK at New York U http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/faculty_positions/alt/ect_associate_tenured Assoc/Full Prof, Learning Science/Education Communication and Technology, Tenured/Tenure-Track View ad online: http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/faculty_positions/alt/ect_associate_tenured The (http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/alt/ect) Educational Communication and Technology program in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University invites applications and nominations for an open rank, tenured/tenure-track position in the area of learning, measurement, and assessment with digital media with primary responsibilities in the graduate program. The ECT programs--the Ph.D. in Educational Communication and Technology (ECT), the M.A. and Advanced Certificate in Digital Media Design for Learning (DMDL), and M.S. in Games for Learning (G4L)--offer graduate instruction in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of a broad range of digital media-based learning environments, including simulation and games, mobile apps, and online experiences. The programs aspire to contribute to the ideals of social equity and an informed and participatory citizenry through design and scholarship. Qualifications An earned doctorate is required in Learning Sciences, Educational Psychology, Cognitive Science, Educational Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field. Candidates should have a strong program of theory-based research on the design or use of digital media for learning, measurement, or assessment that advances the field. Research specializations that include new and emerging learning-related areas, such as educational data mining, learning analytics, or visual analytics, are of particular interest. The ECT programs are interested in theoretical and applied research on learning in traditional and nontraditional settings and learning outcomes. Responsibilities In addition to service at the program, school, and university levels, responsibilities will include: (1) engagement in an active program of scholarly research related to the design, use, and study of digital media for learning, teaching, or assessment; (2) design and teaching of courses primarily at the graduate level; (3) advisement and supervision of undergraduates and of graduate student masters theses and doctoral dissertations; (4) development of research grant proposals to appropriate federal agencies, foundations, and private donors. NYU's dynamic Global Network University includes NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU Shanghai, and international programs and academic centers around the world. NYU Steinhardt faculty may have the opportunity to engage in research and teaching at these global study and research sites. New York University is an equal opportunity employer. NYU does not discriminate due to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability, unemployment status or any other legally protected basis, and to the extent permitted by law. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels. Applications Please apply online with a letter of application, curriculum vitae, up to three research manuscripts or journal articles, and the names and contact information of three references: http://www.nyuopsearch.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=52653 Inquiries and requests for further information should be directed to Jan L. Plass, ECT Program Director and Search Committee Chair, jan.plass(a)nyu.edu Information about the ECT Programs can be found at: http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/alt/ect Reviewing of applications will begin on November 1, 2015 and will continue until the position is filled. The starting date for the position is September 1, 2016, and the appointment is on a nine-month schedule. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. NYU provides a competitive benefits package. __________________________________________________________________________________ Jan L. Plass, Paulette Goddard Prof of Digital Media and Learning Sciences Director, Programs in (http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/alt/ect/ms) Games for Learning (MS) (http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/alt/ect/ma) Digital Media Design for Learning (MA) (http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/alt/ect/phd) Educational Communication and Technology (PhD) Director, (http://create.nyu.edu/) CREATE Consortium for Research and Evaluation of Advanced Technologies in Education Co-Director, G4LI Institute for Games for Learning MAGNET (Media and Games Network) Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development New York University Access our simulations and games using (http://create.nyu.edu/dream) DREAM **************************************************************** 42. Open-Rank Faculty Position in Quan Psy, U of Mich https://psychology-lsa.applicantstack.com/x/apply/a2s9hqlu3cgv The Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position. The expected start date is 1 Sep 2016. The primary criterion for appointment is excellence in research and teaching. We are especially interested in candidates whose research program contributes to the development of new quantitative methods. Although the specific research area is open, we are especially interested in applicants for whom quantitative theoretical modeling, which could include computational models, analytic models, statistical models or psychometric models, is an essential part of their research program. The successful candidate will participate in the teaching rotation of graduate-level statistics and methods. Quantitative psychologists from all areas of psychology and related disciplines are encouraged to apply. This is a university-year appointment. Successful candidates must have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline (e.g. Bio-statistics, Psychology) by the time the position starts, and a commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching. New faculty hired at the Assistant Prof level will be expected to establish an independent research program. Please submit a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, a statement of current and future research plans, a statement of teaching philosophy and experience, and evidence of teaching excellence (if any). Applicants should also request at least three letters of recommendation from referees. All materials should be uploaded by September 30, 2015 as a single PDF attachment to https://psychology-lsa.applicantstack.com/x/apply/a2s9hqlu3cgv. For inquiries about the positions please contact Richard Gonzalez (gonzo(a)umich.edu) The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply. The University is supportive of the needs of dual-career couples. Richard L. Lewis rickl(a)umich.edu Prof http://www-personal.umich.edu/~rickl/ Department of Psychology (734) 763-1466 University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109 **************************************************************** 43. Senior Neuroscientists, Virginia Tech Senior Neuroscientist. Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech (http://www.psyc.vt.edu) seeks a senior neuroscientist to complement recent growth in neuroscience in the department, college, and throughout the university. Exceptional advanced and senior candidates with a focus on human systems are encouraged to apply. Appointment will be made at the Assoc Prof or Prof level, with tenure. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain a vigorous research program, teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and participate in professional and university service. Candidates will have opportunities for collaboration with many other established neuroscientists on campus and at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute (http://research.vtc.vt.edu) There is also the potential to collaborate with new neuroscientists who will be hired by the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience (launch date expected in 2016; http://www.science.vt.edu/ais/neuro) Questions regarding the Senior Neuroscientist in Psychology position can be directed to Prof. Martha Ann Bell, Chair of Neuroscience Search, Psychology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, (540) 231-2546, mabell(a)vt.edu. More detail and the application process can be found at http://www.jobs.vt.edu (reference posting #TR0150115). Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2015, and continue until the position is filled. **************************************************************** 44. Comp. neuroscience positions at Sandia National Labs [this has passed, but there seem to commonly be positions there] http://www.sandia.gov/careers/ From: Chance, Frances S. (fschanc(a)sandia.gov) comp-neuro(a)neuroinf.org We are seeking computational neuroscientists to join our interdisciplinary research program in understanding cognitive function at the neural circuit level. Example research topics of interest include understanding neural circuit function, neural basis of perception, decision-making, learning and memory, and the development and validation of large-scale high-fidelity neural simulations. Multiple positions for varying levels of experience are available. To apply, visit http://www.sandia.gov/careers/ and click 'View All Jobs'. Type the indicated Job ID into the Keywords box to find the appropriate posting. For questions please contact Frances Chance (fschanc(a)sandia.gov) Brad Aimone (jbaimon(a)sandia.gov) or Glory Emmanuel (gremman(a)sandia.gov) Technical Staff (Job ID 647552): The successful applicant for our technical staff position should have a strong background in neuroscience (as evidenced by a PhD in neuroscience, cognitive science, machine learning, or a related field), and experience with current neuroscience research methods and data analysis. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to ongoing projects as well as to develop new lines of research and pursue new funding opportunities. Experience should be commensurate with a beginning assistant prof or higher. Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience (Job ID 647564): An advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in computational neuroscience or a related area is required for this position, as is a strong record of academic performance and publications. Other required qualifications include competence in C, C++, Matlab, Python, or a related programming language, and excellent written- and oral-communication skills. Postdoctoral Position in Machine Learning/Computer Science (Job ID 647563): An advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in mathematics or computer science or related area is required for this position; with a preference for those with experience in examining neural computation or developing machine learning approaches based on neural inspiration. Those with focus on mathematics research areas pertinent to neural systems, such as studies of large dynamical systems, high-dimensional statistics, and dimensionality reduction, are particularly encouraged to apply. A strong record of academic performance and publications is required. Other required qualifications include competence in C, C++, Matlab, Python, or a related programming language, and excellent written- and oral-communication skills. **************************************************************** 45. Academic Fellow in Machine Learning, Leeds, due 30sep15 https://jobs.leeds.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=ENGCP1012 University Academic Fellow in Machine Learning (Tenure Track) -- 250 Great Minds https://jobs.leeds.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=ENGCP1012 (DEADLINE: 30:09:2015, note more positions will be open) The University of Leeds wants to recruit 250 University Academic Fellows by 2017 who have the potential to make a major contribution to the University's academic performance and standing -- see http://250greatminds.leeds.ac.uk/. Join us and you will be supported by a structured five year fellowship development programme leading to an Associate Prof role. We are currently advertising for a UAF in Machine Learning. The School of Computing's interests in Machine Learning range from the foundations of learning to applications in data analytics; health, commerce, biology, engineering; and robotics; control, smart factories, security, biological systems. The School has established an international leadership in aspects of machine learning, most notably through spatial reasoning, ontological alignment, and cognitive vision. We are seeking to strengthen our expertise in this field, through an outstanding researcher with the drive and ambition to eventually assume leadership of this activity in the School. We welcome applicants from all aspects of machine learning, but in particular candidates whose research aligns with the major strategic areas of robotics or data analytics. Grade: 8 Salary: ?38k to ?45k Closing Date: 30 Sep 2015 Reference: ENGCP1012 Please apply via: https://jobs.leeds.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=ENGCP1012 **************************************************************** 46. Tenure Track Asst Prof in Cog Psychology at Syracuse https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/61035 As part of our multiyear hiring plan, the Dept of Psychology at Syracuse U invites applications for a full time tenure-track position in Cognitive Psychology to join the Cognition, Brain, & Behavior (CBB) area. The successful candidate is expected to pursue an exceptional program of research using rigorous methods and driven by a strong theoretical foundation to understand fundamental mechanisms underlying cognition. Candidates with a program of research utilizing outstanding quantitative skills will receive special consideration. Applicants for the position should have a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related field. Successful candidates will show evidence of (1) high quality scholarship and the potential to build a vigorous program of funded research (2) teaching promise at the undergraduate and graduate levels and (3) promise of excellence in engaging graduate and undergraduate students in research. Responsibilities include maintaining an active program of research, teaching and advising at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and contributing to the CBB program. Information about the department may be found at http://psychology.syr.edu/. CBB has collaborations with the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience program http://neuroscience.syr.edu/index.html. Review of applications will begin 1 Nov 2015 and will continue until the position is filled. The university and department have a strong commitment to achieving diversity among faculty and staff. Syracuse U is an equal opportunity, affirmative-action institution. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from members of underrepresented groups and strongly encourage women and persons of color to apply for these positions. The Dept of Psychology and broader Syracuse community provides a rich and supportive environment for inclusive research involving ethnically and economically diverse populations. Syracuse is located in beautiful Upstate New York. The city and surrounding areas offer outstanding school systems, a modest cost of living, proximity to nature (Adirondack Mountains, Thousand Islands, Lake Ontario, and the Finger Lakes) and easy access to major eastern cities. Several major medical centers, including SUNY Upstate Medical Center and the Syracuse VA Medical Center, are in close proximity to Syracuse University and offer opportunities for interdisciplinary research. Applicants must complete a brief online faculty application at https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/61035. Attach electronic copies of your curriculum vitae and a cover letter describing your research and teaching accomplishments and interests and one representative paper. Three letters of recommendation are required. Detailed instructions for uploading their confidential recommendation letter into the system will be sent to references identified in your application. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. **************************************************************** 47. Director, Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study https://jobs.gmu.edu/postings/36230 Director, Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study George Mason U, a public research university located in Fairfax County, Va., is seeking the next Director for the Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study. The Krasnow Institute seeks to expand understanding of mind, brain, and complex adaptive systems by conducting advanced interdisciplinary research. The Krasnow Institute plays a key role in achieving the university's goal of increased prominence through research. For additional information, please see https://krasnow.gmu.edu/. Responsibilities: The Director of the Krasnow Institute provides overall research and administrative leadership for the institute and reports directly to the Executive Vice President/Provost. The Director is responsible for working closely with faculty in setting the research agenda for the institute--maintaining and enhancing the quality of the institute, working collaboratively with faculty and staff to continuously improve research programs, developing and sustaining relationships between other academic units on campus and in the community, enhancing the reputation of the institute to national and international constituencies, and maintaining sound fiscal management. The Director also will oversee the generation of external resources, including sponsored research funding, philanthropic support, and major gifts. The Krasnow Institute is part of George Mason, which has grown in size, stature and national rankings since its birth less than a half-century ago. Mason is currently the largest and most diverse public university in Virginia, with over 33,000 students from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties with more than 1,400 faculty members. George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Mason's reach is both deep and broad. Its location near Washington, D.C., affords unique resources and opportunities for partnership with external organizations. The university is within 20 miles of over 30 universities and premiere research institutions, and federal agencies and federal laboratories. Fairfax also boasts some of the finest public schools in the country, such as Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, numerous performing arts and health care facilities, and over 30,000 acres of public parklands to provide a unique quality of life. Qualifications: Applicants must have the ability to lead and manage an interdisciplinary organization that successfully integrates cutting edge research and academic activities relevant to the institute's mission. Applicants should also have demonstrated experience facilitating productive partnerships and a positive reputation with the external community. Applicants for the position must: Hold an earned terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D. or M.D.); Have significant research accomplishments; and Have academic experience in a scientific field connected to the mission of the institute. The ideal candidate will also have: A strong record of accomplishments consistent with tenure at the rank of full prof at a research university; Excellent interpersonal skills; and Demonstrated experience in academic program leadership, and university program development and fundraising. **************************************************************** 48. Computational Social Science, GMU, Junior position https://jobs.gmu.edu/postings/36295 Tenure-Track Assistant Prof, Computational Social Science George Mason U's Computational and Data Sciences (CDS) Department in the College of Science invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Prof level. Responsibilities: Beginning Fall 2016, this position is intended to primarily support the Computational Social Science (CSS) Program within CDS, including support of the Ph.D. degree in CSS, a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies, and a CSS certificate. This position will also support undergraduate programs that are currently under development. Qualifications: Potential for success in both research and teaching are the primary criteria for this position. Applicants should have a promising research record, with a deep knowledge of and interest in computation as applied to one or more of the social sciences. While we are open to expertise in all areas of computational social science, we are particularly interested in social network specialists interested in both theory and data. Applicants must have a Ph.D. (expected completion by Aug 2016 is acceptable) from an accredited institution. About the Program: Methodologically, the CSS Program focuses on data-driven social science models using social network and agent-based computational approaches from a complexity perspective. Current faculty members have domain expertise in economics and finance, political science and international relations, geography and geographic information systems, land use and cover change, and public policy. As one of the first programs of its type in the world, CSS has had significant success in both research and professional placement. Our students come from all over the world (the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia) and have been placed at a variety of top universities (e.g., University of Oxford, University College London), at government agencies, as well as in the private sector, including start-up companies. **************************************************************** -30- If you have read this far, try out this podcast on Canadian news: http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/thisisthat_20151008_27451.mp3

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Focus session on sensorimotor circuits at 2016 APS March Meeting
by Tatyana Sharpee Oct. 30, 2015

Oct. 30, 2015

Dear Colleagues, Please consider submitting an abstract for the next APS March Meeting, and i n particular, for the Focus Session "Physics of Sensorimotor Neural Circuits .” The meeting will take place in Baltimore, MD, on March 14-18, 2016. Abstract submission deadline: November 6, 2015, 5:00pm EST You can submit abstracts for CONTRIBUTED TALKS for this Focus Session and ot hers (see below for a list of session especially relevant to neuroscience). As a session organizer, I’d like to invite you to submit exciting new work o n sensory and/or motor neural systems. The focus session will consist of 2 i nvited talks and ~8 contributed talks. Submission and relevant information is through the APS site: http://www.aps.org/meetings/march/scientific/index.cfm Please note that only APS members (or members of reciprocal societies) can s ubmit the abstracts. You can obtain your membership online. Invited and Focus sessions of relevance to neuroscience will include, among others, 1. Large Scale Neuroscience Projects 2. Theoretical physics and networks of real neurons 3. Inference in Biophysics 4. Principles of Cell-to-Cell communication 5. Brain Morphology and Mechanics: From Cortex Folding to Neuronal Growth to Compression Stiffening 6. Robophysics: physics meets robotics 7. Physics of sensorimotor neural circuits 8. Neural control of behavior 9. Maximum entropy models: a promising link between statistical physics, inf erence, and biology 10. Critical transitions in biological systems Some of the invited speakers include: Vijay Balasubramanian (U Pennsylvania) William Bialek (Princeton U) Gwyneth Card (Janelia Farm) David van Essen (Washington U, St. Loius) Adrienne Fairhall (U Washington) Surya Ganguli (Stanford U) Mark Goldman (UC Davis) Alexei Koulakov (CSHL) Thierry Mora (ENS) Stephanie Palmer (U Chicago) Hanchuan Peng (Allen Institute) Elad Schneidman (Hebrew U) Terry Sejnowski (Salk Institute) Naftali Tishby (Hebrew U) Gasper Tkacik (IST Austria) and others. We are now accepting abstract submissions for contributed talks on a broad range of topics on the intersection of physics and neuroscience, such as quantitative experimental protocols, modeling of neural dynamics, analysis of collective computation in neural circuits, and others. Best Regards, Tatyana Tatyana O. Sharpee, PhD Associate Professor Helen McLoraine Developmental Chair Computational Neurobiology Laboratory Salk Institute for Biological Studies La Jolla, CA 92037

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Graduate training in Perception, Brain, & Behavior at UT Austin
by Mary Hayhoe Oct. 30, 2015

Oct. 30, 2015

Graduate training in Perception, Brain, & Behavior at UT Austin The program in Perception, Brain & Behavior at The University of Texas at Austin is encouraging applications for interdisciplinary graduate study in vision sciences, with emphasis on naturalistic tasks and stimuli. Housed in the Department of Psychology, the Institute for Neuroscience, and the Center for Perceptual Systems, our program is a vibrant, growing, and highly-collaborative collection of research laboratories boasting world-class facilities for conducting research in visual perception, visually guided actions, and the underlying neural mechanisms. These facilities include fMRI, eye tracking, head and body tracking, face and facial expression tracking, virtual reality, the collection of 3D time-varying natural scene statistics, computationally-intensive modeling and computer graphics, psychophysics, 2 photon microscopy, optical imaging, and electrophysiology. Funding opportunities are available through an NIH training grant, Research Assistantships, Fellowships, and Teaching Assistantships. Faculty actively engaging in interdisciplinary research in the program include: Dana Ballard: computational neuroscience, machine learning, visuo-motor control Larry Cormack: natural tasks and psychophysics; 3D motion perception Ila Fiete: computational neuroscience, neural coding Bill Geisler: vision and natural scene statistics; computational modeling Mary Hayhoe: eye movements, attention, virtual environments. Alex Huk: sensory-motor decisions, neural mechanisms of motion and depth perception Ian Nauhaus: neural coding, cortical organization, computational neuroscience Nicholas Priebe: neural coding in early visual cortex, intracellular recording Eyal Seidemann: optical imaging and electrophysiology of early visual cortex Max Snodderley: retina and early visual cortex, retinal disease. More information on our research can be found at www.cps.utexas.edu, and we encourage you to contact investigators directly if you are interested in their research. You can apply via the Ph.D. programs in Neuroscience http://neuroscience.utexas.edu/program/ 512-471-3640, neuroscience(a)mail.clm.utexas.edu and Psychology http://www.psy.utexas.edu/psy/GradProgram/gradhome.html 512-471-6398, gradoffice(a)psy.utexas.edu Mary Hayhoe Center for Perceptual Systems University of Texas Austin 108 E. Dean Keeton Blvd, Stop A8000 Austin TX 78712-1043 hayhoe(a)utexas.edu

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Cognitive and Information Sciences Ph.D. Program - University of California, Merced
by David Noelle Oct. 30, 2015

Oct. 30, 2015

The Cognitive and Information Sciences graduate program at the University of California, Merced has positions available for Ph.D. students entering Fall 2016. We offer interdisciplinary training in human neural, behavioral, and social processes and their dynamics. The program is research-intensive, and a wide range of projects and collaborations are available for students to join, and take on leading roles as they progress through the program. Topics include language, speech, communication, movement coordination, interpersonal interaction, human-computer interaction, philosophy of mind, philosophy of cognitive science, memory, executive control, search, neural networks, learning, and dynamical and complex systems. The word “information” in CIS denotes our emphases on data science and engineering, computational modeling, and technological applications that support and even emulate intelligent behaviors. Students who graduate from our Ph.D. program have career opportunities in academia as well as technology industries. Please visit our program website for information about CIS: http://cogsci.ucmerced.edu/ Applications may be submitted through the graduate division website: http://graduatedivision.ucmerced.edu/ For full consideration, applications should be received by December 15, although we will continue to accept applications until January 15. Top candidates will be invited and reimbursed to visit the campus February 5-6, to meet with our faculty and students and learn more about the program. Multi-year offers of financial support are available, which include full tuition and competitive stipends. If you have any further questions, please email the faculty member(s) who most closely align with your research interests.

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Mechanization of Consciousness for the Development of Strong AI
by Lleuvelyn Cacha Oct. 29, 2015

Oct. 29, 2015

*Dear Colleagues,* This book is suitable for anyone interested in strong AI *Biophysics of Consciousness: A Foundational Approach* http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/9444 650pp Feb 2016 ISBN: 978-981-4644-25-9 (hardcover) Normal price * USD158.00* *Contents:* · Preface · Foreword: Addressing the Hard Problem of Consciousness · Contents · Neurobiological Naturalism · The Evolutionary Origins of Consciousness · How Language Evolution Reshaped Human Consciousness · Consciousness by Surprise: A Neuropsychoanalytic Approach to the Hard Problem · Can Qualitative Biophysics Solve the Hard Problem? · The Causal Roots of Integration and the Unity of Consciousness · The Holoinformational Foundations of Consciousness · Neural Transition Dynamics and Conscious Perceptive States · The Two-Brains Hypothesis: Implications for Consciousness · The Origins of the Brain's Endogenous Electromagnetic Field and Its Relationship to Provision of Consciousness · Consciousness as a Quantum Dynamic Effect · Quantum Spin Formalism on Consciousness · The 'Quantum Underground': Where Life and Consciousness Originate · Consciousness in the Universe — An *Updated* Review of the 'Orch OR' Theory · Index *Readership:* Researchers in neuroscience, cognitive science, biophysics, quantum physics and strong AI. Available for Amazon books at a Pre-order Price Guarantee USD$*100.62* http://www.amazon.com/Biophysics-Consciousness-A-Foundational-Approach/dp/9… Lleuvelyn Cacha, PhD

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Postdoctoral Fellow position
by Jon Sensinger Oct. 29, 2015

Oct. 29, 2015

Postdoctoral Fellow sought in Computational Motor Control / Psychophysics General Summary A Post Doctoral Fellow in computational motor control or psychophysics to join a dynamic multi-disciplinary team at the University of New Brunswick, Canada, studying the internal models that a unique group of upper-limb amputees have. These amputees have had targeted sensory reinnervation surgery such that when their upper arm is touched, it feels like you are touching their hand . This sensation remains stable over time. With funding from the U.S. NIH, our collaborators at the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Alberta have developed miniature robotic devices that can apply appropriate feedback throughout the day , and with funding from DARPA we are developing quantitative metrics of feedback incorporation . The role of this post-doctoral position is to quantify if the feedback improves this unique group of amputee's ability to form internal models regarding control of their prosthetic arm or interaction with their environment, ultimately leading to more precise control with less mental effort. The 12-month project is led by Jon Sensinger, PhD, the associate director of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME) at the University of New Brunswick. Dr. Sensinger's research focuses on developing computational models of how we interact with prosthesis control , along with prosthesis and exoskeleton design and control. IBME includes scientists, engineers, and clinical staff. Principal Responsibilities 1. Develop psychophysics and force-field based experiments to assess the strength of the internal models these subjects have with and without the sensory feedback. 2. Must work in close consultation with engineering, prosthetists, and therapists. 3. Keeps informed of developments in field to maintain and enhance professional expertise; offers suggestions regarding continuing development of program. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required 1. Applicants should have a doctoral degree and relevant research experience in engineering, neuroscience, psychophysics, or a related field. 2. Experience with computational motor control or psychophysics. 3. Awareness of gross anatomy and neural anatomy is preferred. 4. Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients, research subjects, team members, and project collaborators. 5. Analytical skills to select and interpret experiments. 6. Communication skills necessary to write detailed explanatory reports and articles and to verbally communicate results of research at meetings and conferences. Please send a cover letter and C.V. to Dr. Sensinger (j.sensinger(a)unb.ca) for more details. Relevant links: http://www.pnas.org/content/104/50/20061.abstract http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21252109 http://blogs.unb.ca/newsroom/2015/02/09/research-team-receives-up-to-2-5-mi… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEzbuiJi0T0 http://www.ece.unb.ca/jsensing

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Computational Neuroscience PhD Positions at Emory University and Georgia Tech
by Jaeger, Dieter Oct. 28, 2015

Oct. 28, 2015

Applicants for PhD programs in the field of Computational Neuroscience are encouraged to consider the joint training program in this area at Emory University and Georgia Tech (www.compneurosci.college.emory.edu<http://www.compneurosci.college.emory.edu>). Our faculty span multiple subareas of the discipline ranging from the computational analysis of ion channels to behavioral neuroscience, neural imaging, and neurotechnology in a highly collaborative atmosphere. The computational training program includes students from our Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering PhD programs and involves a set of core classes, a weekly journal club or methods clinic, an annual retreat, and many opportunities for collaborative research projects. All PhD students are fully funded for their tenure at Emory and/or Georgia Tech. Applications are submitted via the Neuroscience training program (http://biomed.emory.edu/PROGRAM_SITES/NS/) with a deadline of December 1 or the Biomedical Engineering program (https://www.bme.gatech.edu/bme/graduate) also with a deadline of December 1. Pre-submission contacts with anyone on the faculty list for the program (http://www.compneurosci.college.emory.edu/faculty/faculty-profiles/index.ht…) are welcome and we will be happy to answer such queries. Atlanta is a great place to live and experience all four seasons of the year, with many affordable housing options in close proximity to either campus, and a large range of cultural activities involving almost all nationalities. The biking/hiking/eating culture is exploding. Food and shopping are superb and also internationally diverse, the Appalachians and the oceans are easy weekend destinations, and through the busiest airport in the world (Atlanta Hartsfield) many destinations are easily reached. Authored by: Dieter Jaeger, Dept. of Biology, Emory University; djaeger(a)emory.edu Garrett Stanley, Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech and Emory; garrett.stanley(a)bme.gatech.edu Robert Butera, Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech; rbutera(a)gatech.edu Robert Liu, Dept. of Biology, Emory University; robert.liu(a)emory.edu ________________________________ This e-mail message (including any attachments) is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender by reply e-mail message and destroy all copies of the original message (including attachments).

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Post-doctoral position in Computational Neuroscience, Moreno-Bote, Barcelona
by Ruben Moreno Bote Oct. 28, 2015

Oct. 28, 2015

*Post-doctoral position* *Computational Neuroscience, Moreno-Bote Lab * *University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain* We are looking for strong post-doctoral candidates interested in joining the group of Theoretical Neuroscience of Rubén Moreno-Bote lab. We are looking for excellent post-doctoral candidates with Physics, Mathematics or Machine Learning background, ideally with knowledge of Neuroscience or Computational Neuroscience, and interested in theory and applications. The publication record of the candidate should be very strong in his/her respective discipline. The candidate will develop state of the art mathematical techniques to understand neuronal dynamics and will have access to multielectrode recording neural data. He/she could also be involved in the design of electrophysiology experiments through our collaborators. The candidate will benefit from the stimulating environment of Barcelona area in Theoretical and Systems Neuroscience and will have the opportunity of enjoying a lively city. Our lab (http://www.upf.edu/pdi/ruben-moreno-bote) forms part of a larger network of neuroscience labs in Barcelona ( http://www.barcelonaneuroscience.com) Financial support is provided up to 3 years by a FLAG ERA grant. Our lab has recently moved to a new location, the University Pompeu Fabra, where a large community of researchers works on cognitive and computational neuroscience (http://cbc.upf.edu/?language=en) APPLICATION : A full CV in pdf format, a 1 page project in pdf format, and names and email addresses of 2 referees should be sent to the following address: ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu Informal inquiries are welcome. DEADLINE: up to the position is filled -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter Professor Dept. of Information and Communication Technologies University Pompeu Fabra La Nau building, office 51017 08018 Barcelona, Spain http://www.upf.edu/pdi/ruben-moreno-bote

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Call for participation Neural Synchronization Frontiers Topic
by GUEVARA ERRA RAMON MARIANO Oct. 28, 2015

Oct. 28, 2015

Dear potential authors on the comp-neuro mailing list, This is a call for participation at a special issue (Frontiers Topic) on neural synchronization, that we are currently editing: 'Large-scale neural synchronization and coordinated dynamics: a foundational approach' Web site: http://journal.frontiersin.org/researchtopic/4079/large-scale-neural-synchr… Description: A fundamental question in neuroscience is how segregation and integration of information takes place by the temporal coordination of differentiated, specialized brain areas. Neural synchronization is often invoked as a mechanism of coordinated activity, and in the last ten years there has been a great effort to understand its significance, to clarify its physiological and computational roles and its relationship with brain rhythms and abnormal brain functioning (as in epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease). But in a broader sense, synchronization is an old concept, arising from the studies of oscillators in non-linear dynamics. It is indeed a widespread phenomenon, reflecting the coupling between self-oscillating units. However, the association between coupling and coordinated activity is not completely understood in the context of brain dynamics, most critically when this relationship is extended to large networks of interacting neurons. What do we mean when we use the term ‘synchronization’ in neuroscience? How can we measure physical coupling when real experiments can only tell us about temporal statistical correlation? Can we freely use concepts from oscillation theory to describe brain dynamics? In this Research Topic we welcome contributions from different backgrounds and perspectives to promote a deeper understanding of the relationship between neural synchronization and physical coupling between neuronal networks, and its implications for functional connectivity in the normal and the pathological brain. This topic will include, among others, contributions with the following themes: 1) Foundations of large-scale neural synchronization, based on physical theories of oscillation. 2) The computational role and metabolic cost of neural synchronization, and its relation to brain rhythms. 3) Behavioral and cognitive consequences of oscillatory activity in the human brain. 4) Synthesis and state-of-the-art on measuring neural synchronization in experimental settings. 5) Recent methods for the reconstruction of connectivity in oscillatory networks. 6) Applications of the concept of neural coupling and oscillatory activity in a medical setting, such as monitoring and control of neural synchronization in brain pathologies affecting coordination dynamics. Looking forward to have your contributions.Those interested please write to Ramon Guevara (guevara.erra(a)gamil.com) Best wishes, Ramon Guevara Erra University Paris Descartes, Paris, France Jose Luis Perez Velazquez Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

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