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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Computer Science (Machine Learning / Biocomputation) (Closing Date 21 October)

by Steuber, Volker

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Computer Science (Machine Learning / Biocomputation) School of Computer Science University of Hertfordshire, UK Salary £32,004 to £48,327 per annum depending on qualifications and experience Full time position working 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE) Closing date 21 October 2016 Applications are invited for a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the School's teaching and curriculum development activities, and to strengthen its research activities. We are looking to recruit specifically a computer scientist with background in machine learning or data science related to biocomputation (including computational neuroscience). By Data Science we broadly mean the extraction of meaning from large quantities of data. The successful candidate will also have the flexibility to teach across mainstream topics in computer science. The School has an international reputation for teaching and research, with 58 academic staff, 20 adjunct lecturer staff, and 65 research students and postdoctoral research staff. With a history going back to 1958, the School teaches one of the largest cohorts of undergraduate students in the UK, and also delivers a thriving online computer science degree programme. The person appointed will be expected to contribute to learning and teaching relevant to core computer science topics, participate in curriculum review and development, design and develop new modules, and supervise student projects at all levels. The appointee will strengthen the research culture in the School by pursuing research as part of a larger research team, seeking external funding, publishing papers, supervising research students, and participating in commercial activity as appropriate. Preference will be given to candidates who can contribute to teaching and research as outlined above. Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, possess excellent communication skills in English and the ability to teach at undergraduate and postgraduate level. It is desirable that candidates have a track record of publication, external research funding, collaboration across disciplines, experience of different types of assessment and higher education quality assurance. They should also have the ability to play a role in the routine running of the School of Computer Science. Applications should be made through http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/academic-vacancies (reference 014050). Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Volker Steuber (Head of the Biocomputation Research Group, v.steuber(a)herts.ac.uk) or Professor William Clocksin (Dean of School, w.clocksin(a)herts.ac.uk) Please note that applications sent directly to these email addresses will not be accepted. We are committed to providing a supportive environment. The university also provides an onsite childcare facility and child-centred holiday clubs. The University is required to meet UKVI visa regulations. Applicants who do not currently have the right to work in the UK will have to satisfy UKVI regulations before they can be appointed. ?

Oct. 14, 2016

High Performance Computing Workshop at SFN 2016

by Ted Carnevale

A few seats remain available in the workshop Using the Neuroscience Gateway Portal (NSG) for Parallel Simulations Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9 AM to noon which we are presenting in downtown San Diego as a satellite to this year's SFN meeting. This workshop will show you how to use this NSF-supported resource in your computationally-intensive modeling and data analysis projects. It will also feature presentations from several research teams about how they are using NSG in their own research. The registration fee is $25, but if you have already signed up for the NEURON course on Friday, Nov. 11, you may register for the NSG workshop for only $15. For a description of the workshop and its application form, see http://www.neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/courses/nsg2016/nsg2016.html The registration deadline is Friday Oct. 28. --Ted

Oct. 13, 2016

Postdoctoral researcher to study cause-effect power of neural systems across spatiotemporal scale

by Hill Sean

Postdoctoral position in the Laboratory for the Neural Basis of Brain States Prof. Sean Hill, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland The Laboratory for the Neural Basis of Brain States (LNBBS), part of the Blue Brain Project, focuses on understanding cortical and thalamocortical structure and function and the relationship to states of the brain including wakefulness, sleep and anesthesia. LNBBS is part of the EPFL Blue Brain Project (BBP), a Swiss national brain initiative situated on the Campus Biotech in Geneva, Switzerland, applies advanced neuroinformatics, data analytics, high-performance computing infrastructure and simulation-based approaches to the challenge of understanding the structure and function of the mammalian brain in health and disease. A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Prof. Sean Hill (EPFL, http://www.hill-lab.org : http://bluebrain.epfl.ch) in collaboration with the Prof. Giulio Tononi (Wisconsin Institute for Sleep and Consciousness, www.integratedinformationtheory.org ) to study cause-effect power of neural systems across spatiotemporal scales. Immediate funding is available for a project using the framework of integrated information theory [1] to study foundational questions regarding causation and emergence in a detailed model of a cortical column [2]. The model is a comprehensive, multi-scale digital reconstruction of rat somatosensory microcircuitry, consisting of over 31,000 biophysically detailed multi-compartment neurons with 55 layer-specific morphological and 207 morpho-electrical neuron subtypes. Causal properties are explored at micro scales and at multiple macro scales by black-boxing the model in various ways and applying measures of integrated information to the resulting macro level systems [1, 3]. Candidates are expected to have strong training in a discipline such as theoretical biology/neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. Experience in information theory, complex systems, and neural modelling software (e.g. Neuron, NEST) are a plus. Programming experience is required (knowledge of MATLAB, Python, and/or C++ is of advantage). Appointments are for an initial 1-year renewable contract, starting as soon as possible or until the position is filled. Candidates should send a CV, brief statement of previous research and future research interests, and email addresses and phone numbers of three references to: Sean Hill, (sean.hill(a)epfl.ch) For more information, contact Sean Hill (sean.hill(a)epfl.ch) or Giulio Tononi (gtononi(a)wisc.edu) [1] Tononi G, Boly M, Massimini M, and Koch C. Integrated information theory: from consciousness to its physical substrate. Nature Reviews Neuroscience (2016). [2] Markram et al. Reconstruction and Simulation of Neocortical Microcircuitry. Cell. 2015 Oct 8;163(2):456-92. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.09.029. [3] Marshall W, Albantakis L, Tononi G (2016) Black-boxing and cause-effect power. arXiv:1608.03461 [q-bio.NC]

Oct. 13, 2016

Two NIH BRAIN Initiative funded computational postdoctoral positions available: Brown University and Mass. General Hospital

by Stephanie Jones

Hello, Can you please post the following ad to the compneuro mailing list? Thank you, Stephanie Two NIH BRAIN Initiative funded computational postdoctoral positions available: Brown University and Mass. General Hospital The field of neuroscience is experiencing unprecedented growth in the ability to record from and manipulate brain circuits in humans and in animal models. MEG/ EEG are the leading methods to non-invasively record human neural dynamics with millisecond temporal resolution. However, it is still extremely difficult to interpret the underlying cellular and circuit level generators of these ‘macro-scale’ signals without simultaneous invasive recordings. Supported by a BRAIN Initiative grant through NIH we have started a collaborative project between Brown University, Yale University and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) to develop and a new software tool for circuit level interpretation of human brain activity measured with MEG/EEG. We are hiring two post-docs to join our team. A three-year postdoctoral position at Brown University PI: Dr. Stephanie Jones contact: Stephanie_Jones(a)brown.edu A three-year postdoctoral position at Massachusetts General Hospital PI: Dr. Matti Hämäläinen contact: msh(a)nmr.mgh.harvard.edu The post-docs hired will work among a team of researcher at Brown University, MGH, and Yale University on the design and implementation of a user-friendly, GUI-driven, open-source model of neocortical circuitry for the interpretation of non-invasively measured human brain activity. The neural model will be integrated into existing source localization software (MNE-Python) so that researchers can study the location, time course, and neural mechanisms of their human brain imaging data all in one package. Additionally, the post-docs will work with several test case groups to apply the model in a variety of tasks and clinical conditions. Interested candidates must have experience in Python programming and software engineering. The postdoc at Brown will work more on the computational modeling aspect of the software while the post doc at MGH will concentrate on the integration of MEG/EEG source modeling with computational neural modeling. Candidates with knowledge in computational modeling using NEURON and/or source localization methods will be given preference. Please send a CV, statement of research interests, and three letters of recommendation to contact addresses listed above. ******************************************* Stephanie R. Jones, PhD Associate Research Professor Brown University Department of Neuroscience Stephanie_Jones(a)Brown.edu https://www.brown.edu/research/labs/jones/

Oct. 12, 2016

PhD Position in Computational Cognitive Neuroscience at FIU in Miami

by Fabián Soto

The Computational Cognitive Neuroscience Lab at FIU in Miami (PI Dr. Fabian Soto) is looking for a doctoral student to start in the Fall of 2017. The student will work in the development of new methods to test independent processing of stimulus dimensions in the brain, within a framework that combines general recognition theory (a multidimensional version of signal detection theory) and population encoding models. The developed methods will be applied to the analysis of EEG and fMRI studies on object categorization. Our lab's research focuses on understanding the interplay between learning and visual processes in object categorization. We use a combination of behavioral, computational, and brain imaging techniques. FIU is classified as an R1 (highest research activity) institution by the Carnegie Foundation. It is Florida’s fastest growing public research university, the fourth largest university in the US, and one of the nation’s largest hispanic-serving institutions. FIU has recently established a state-of-the-art neuroimaging center (the Cognitive Neuroscience and Imaging Center), which hosts a research-dedicated 3T Siemens MAGNETOM Prisma MRI scanner and a fully equipped mock scanner for pre-scan and movement training. If you know of any potentially interested candidates with a broad scientific background who are interested in neuroimaging, psychology, and computational modeling, please have them contact Dr. Fabian Soto at fabian.soto(a)fiu.edu. More information about FIU’s Cognitive Neuroscience doctoral program in Psychology is available at http://cn.fiu.edu. The deadline for application is December 1st of 2016. -- Fabian A. Soto Assistant Professor Department of Psychology Florida International University Modesto A. Maidique Campus 11200 SW 8th St, AHC4 460 Miami, FL 33199 Phone: 305-348-8423 Fax: 305-348-6670 Email: fabian.soto(a)fiu.edu

Oct. 11, 2016

Postdoc in Warsaw - kernel-based method of electrophysiological source imaging

by Daniel Wójcik

https://neuroinflab.wordpress.com/jobs/ POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE: kESI – kernel-based method of electrophysiological source imaging The Neuroinformatics Laboratory (https://neuroinflab.wordpress.com/) at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology (http://www.nencki.gov.pl) invites applications for a postdoctoral position (36 months). The goal of the project is to develop, implement and investigate a new technique of source localization of specific events in neural activity, such as a seizure, from multimodal imaging data, including ECoG (strip and grid electrodes), depth electrophysiological recordings, and MRI data from humans. The method will be validated with ground truth model data and tested on clinical data obtained from epilepsy patients. The fellow will build on already existing tools and techniques developed in the lab, see especially Potworowski et al. 2012 and Ness et al. 2015. The ideal candidate will have a strong computational background, experience in numerical solutions of PDEs, electrodynamics, computational neuroscience, or brain imaging. We can only accept candidates 0 to 7 years after reception of PhD. To apply or ask for further information send email to d.wojcik(a)nencki.gov.pl. Applications should include a CV, statement of research interests, and the names and full contact details of three referees. We are accepting applications until the position is filled. -- Prof. Daniel K. Wojcik Laboratory of Neuroinformatics, Head PhD Studies, Head Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology 3 Pasteur St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland tel: (+48 22) 5892348 fax: (+48 22) 8225342 skype: danek8317 http://dwojcik.pl/ http://neuroinflab.wordpress.com/ http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0812-9872

Oct. 10, 2016

RAHA 2016 - Invitation and late Breaking Poster Session

by Dr. Shyam Diwakar

Dear Colleagues, Apologies for cross-posting. Amrita University, India at its backwater-nestled campus in Kollam, Kerala is set for RAHA 2016 - International Conference on Robotics and automation for Humanitarian Applications to be held from December 18-20, 2016. The organizers are calling in for late-breaking posters in robotics, neurorobotics, societal and humanitarian applications and related topics. We welcome you to submit content and showcase new studies in the fields of robotics and related topics. RAHA 2016 brings together top researchers, practitioners, and experts from the field of robotics for humanitarian applications. The conference will host 6 plenary and 16 keynote speakers from top universities and industry. Poster session Details: http://raha2016.org/call-for-abstracts-late-breaking-posters Conference website: http://raha2016.org Speakers: http://raha2016.org/speakers I look forward to meeting you in December. Shyam -- Shyam Diwakar, Ph.D. Amrita University http://www.amrita.edu/compneuro Disclaimer : The information transmitted in this email, including attachments, is intended only for the person(s) or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. Any views expressed in any message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of Amrita University. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and destroy any copies of this information.

Oct. 8, 2016

Please post to the comp-neuro list

by McCormick, David

POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience The Swartz Center in Theoretical Neurobiology at Yale University invites applications for two postdoctoral positions in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience. We seek exceptional candidates with experience in computational and/or quantitative neuroscience to collaborate with computational/experimental biologists towards the understanding of the nervous system from the level of synapses to complex networks. The candidate may work in one or more laboratories of Jessica Cardin, Damon Clark, Michael Crair, George Dragoi, Thierry Emonet, Michael Higley, Joe Howard, Alex Kwan, Daeyeol Lee, David McCormick, John Murray, and Steven Zucker (see http://swartz-initiative.medicine.yale.edu<http://swartz-initiative.medicine.yale.edu/>). Candidates must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree. Please send a Curriculum Vitae, selected reprints, and a statement of research plans including the laboratories of interest. All application materials should be sent electronically to the following e-mail address: david.mccormick(a)yale.edu<mailto:david.mccormick@yale.edu>. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with a target date of November 30th, 2016. Positions are available starting January 2017. Yale University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Yale values diversity in its faculty, students, and staff and especially welcomes applications from women and underrepresented minorities. ----------------------------------------------------------- Thanks! David A. McCormick Professor, Neuroscience | Yale University School of Medicine Dept. Neuroscience 333 Cedar Street | New Haven, CT 06510 | 203.785.5981 www.mccormicklab.org<http://www.mccormicklab.org/> | www.neurobiology.org<http://www.neurobiology.org/>

Oct. 7, 2016

"Closed Loop Neuroscience" book release

by ahmed el hady

Dear All, I would like to share with you the exciting news that my edited volume "Closed Loop Neuroscience", has just been published by Academic Press. The following is the link for the book: http://store.elsevier.com/Closed-Loop-Neuroscience/Ahmed-El-Hady/isbn-97801… . This reference book gathers work from across neuroscience, which employs closed loop methodologies, under the umbrella of what can be called “Closed Loop Neuroscience”. The book is built on three axes: theoretical, experimental and philosophical. The contributors come from a myriad of disciplines from physics, mathematics, linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy, engineering and computer science. The following is the table of contents: Theoretical Axis 1. Adaptive Bayesian methods for closed-loop neurophysiology 2. Information geometric analysis of neurophysiological data 3. Control theory for closed loop neurophysiology 4. Testing the theory of practopoiesis using closed loops 5. Local field potential analysis for closed loop neuromodulation 6. Online event detection requirements in closed-loop neuroscience 7. Closing Dewey's Circuit 8. Stochastic optimal control of spike times in single neurons 9. Hybrid systems neuroscience 10. Computational Complexity and the Function-Structure-Environment Loop of the Brain 11. Subjective Physics 12. Contextual emergence in neuroscience Experimental Axis 13. Closed loop methodologies for cellular electrophysiology 14. Bidirectional Brain-Machine Interfaces 15. Adaptive brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease 16. Closed loop neuroprosthetics 17. Closed Loop Limbic Neurostimulation 18. Conscious brain-to-brain communication Philosophical Axis 19. Philosophical aspects of closed loop neuroscience 20. Closed Loops in Neuroscience and Computation: What It Means and Why It Matters Your feedback is very important for me so please let me know if you have any comments about it. My email is ahady(a)princeton.edu. I would really appreciate if you recommend the book to your librarian, colleagues and anyone you think might benefit from it. I hope you will enjoy the book , All the best, Ahmed El Hady Dr. Ahmed El Hady Princeton Neuroscience Institute Howard Hughes Medical Institute Washington Road | Princeton, NJ 08544 Tel: +1-609-258-7954 Fax: +1-609-258-1028 Website: http://scholar.princeton.edu/ahmedelhady/home

Oct. 7, 2016

Open positions in Theoretical/Computational Neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt

by Gjorgjieva, Julijana

We invite applications for PhD positions and have openings for Master and Bachelor students interested in writing their thesis or doing internships in our group 'Computation in Neural Circuits' at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt, Germany. Postdoctoral candidates are also encouraged to inquire for open positions. We use mathematical and computational approaches to study how neurons and the connections between them get organized into circuits that are flexible to learn, yet remain robust to external perturbations. We focus on the emergence of complex properties at the single neuron and circuit level during early development. For example, we study how synaptic plasticity, homeostasis and development of ion channel expression interact to produce functional adult circuits. We are also interested in how these specific properties emerge evolutionarily, shaped by various biophysical constraints. Our work is supported by close experimental collaborations based on different animal models, from rodent to fruit fly, giving us access to individual circuit components. Successful applicants can work on a range of projects including theoretical model development and analytical calculations, numerical simulations, data analysis, and applications to novel datasets from collaborating labs. Applicants should have a strong quantitative background (in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, or related fields) and interest in interdisciplinary research. Background in neuroscience is desirable but not required, and some programming experience is necessary. To apply for these positions, please submit the following to comp.neural.circuits(a)gmail.com<mailto:comp.neural.circuits@gmail.com> 1. A curriculum vitae 2. A motivation letter or a description of research interests (please explain your scientific interests, what are you strengths when working on a problem, why our group) 3. Contact details for 2-3 referees 4. A written sample of scientific research, e.g. a manuscript, thesis, or code Our institute also hosts the IMPRS graduate school in 'Neural Circuits' which has an open call for PhD applications with a deadline of December 15, 2016: http://brain.mpg.de/graduate-studies/call.html For more information or informal inquiries, please get in touch! Julijana Gjorgjieva, PhD Group Leader Max Planck Institute for Brain Research Max-von-Laue-Str. 4 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany http://brain.mpg.de/research/computation-in-neural-circuits-group.html

Oct. 7, 2016