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Final Program of the Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation, March 15-16, 2018

by Aurel A. Lazar

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

Jan. 30, 2018

Complex Systems in Neuroscience Conference, Pittsburgh, March 8-10, 2018

by Chengcheng Huang

Dear Colleague, We are pleased to invite you to: *Complex Systems in Neuroscience: Bridging Theory and Experiment* Pittsburgh, USA March 8-10, 2018 This conference is organized by post-doctoral scholars from the Department of Mathematics at the University of Pittsburgh. In this three-day conference, we will bring together theorists and experimentalists from numerous disciplines who seek to understand how properties of neural networks and individual neurons translate into brain function and behavior. In order to encourage interaction and discussion, the conference will involve a series of lectures from renowned scientists, as well as shorter presentations by junior researchers. *Speakers:* Andrea Barreiro (Southern Methodist University) Maxim Bazhenov (University of California San Diego) Paul Bressloff (University of Utah) Nicolas Brunel (Duke University) Carina Curto (Pennsylvania State University) Stefano Fusi (Columbia University) Mark Goldman (University of California Davis) Viktor Jirsa (CNRS, France) Stephanie Jones (Brown University) Juan Restrepo (University of Colorado Boulder) Tatyana Sharpee (Salk Institute) Misha Tsodyks (Weizmann Institute, Israel) The lectures will be held in Ballroom A of the University Club, 123 University Pl, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260 <https://maps.google.com/?q=123+University+Pl,+Pittsburgh,+PA,+15260&entry=g…> . Attendance is free and open to all, however, all attendees are required to register <http://www.pitt.edu/~huangc/csneuro2018/> online. For further information, please visit the conference website: http://www.pitt.edu/~huangc/csneuro2018/. This event is sponsored jointly by the Mathematics Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh, the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, and the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications. Sincerely, Drs. Hannah Bos, James Hengenius, Chengcheng Huang, Ryan Phillips, Yury Sokolov, Rashid Williams-Garcia and Dan Wilson Conference Organizers Department of Mathematics University of Pittsburgh

Jan. 30, 2018

NIMH is Recruiting a Review Branch Chief

by Michele Ferrante

*Please feel free to share with folks who might have interest.* *NIMH is Recruiting a Review Branch Chief* The NIMH Division of Extramural Activities (DEA) is recruiting for the Chief, Extramural Review Branch, DEA. This position is a Supervisory Health Scientist Administrator, GS-601-15. As with many other ICs, NIMH will seek to fill this position via the Global Announcement, which opened yesterday (1/29/2018) and closes on Wednesday, 2/7/2018. USAJOBS announcement - open to FEDERAL staff <https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/489593400> USAJOBS announcement, open to all <https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/489599300> The Extramural Review Branch is responsible for planning, conducting and coordinating the scientific and technical merit review of grant applications assigned to the Institute for its review and for assuring that these reviews are of a uniformly high quality. As an expert Scientific Review Officer, the Branch Chief assumes responsibility for administering the review of applications. Utilizing scientific knowledge and expertise to perform a variety of management functions associated with review of NIMH research and research training support activities, the Branch Chief will also manage the initial scientific and administrative review of certain center or program project grant applications, as well as research project applications submitted in response to requests for applications, multicenter clinical trial applications, and/or contract proposals assigned to NIMH. Specific supervisory responsibilities include integrating and coordinating the work of professional employees who serve as Scientific Review Officers (SROs) who are charged with overseeing the work of Special Emphasis Panels and the Mental Health Services Research Committee, Program Specialists who provide organizational support for planning and analyzing review activities, and Extramural Support Assistants (ESAs) charged with providing logistical and administrative support to SROs. Please contact Meena Hiremath (meenaxi.hiremath(a)nih.gov) if you have any questions about the Branch Chief position. If you have additional questions, please email NIMHSearch(a)mail.nih.gov. Regards, Michele ----- Michele Ferrante <michele.ferrante(a)nih.gov>, PhD Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience <http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/organization/dnbbs/behavioral-science-and-int…> & Computational Psychiatry <https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/organization/dtr/adult-psychopathology-and-p…> NIMH Ph. 301-435-6782 <(301)%20435-6782> | WebEx <https://nih.webex.com/join/ferrantemnih.gov> | 6001 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20852, Office # 7202

Jan. 30, 2018

NIMH Program Officer Position Announcement

by Michele Ferrante

Dear computationally-friendly colleagues, You are our strongest referral source. I am sharing with you the announcement for NIH Program Officer and ask that you share this with your colleagues that may be interested in serving as an extramural program officer (also known as Health Scientist Administrator). The NIH Global Vacancy Announcement for Health Scientist Administrator/Program Officer is now open to the public. NIMH is looking for Program Officers to fill several critical program in the NIMH extramural programs. To be considered for this position, applicants must possess an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent experience. The links below will take interested candidates to the USAJobs link. Applications will be accepted from *January 29, 2018 - February 7, 2018* through the links below. Please share this information with those who may be interested in applying. If you have additional questions, please email NIMHsearch(a)mail.nih.gov. ************************************ *Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) Links*:* - Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) GS-601-12/13/14 - DE <https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/489598400> - Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) GS-601-12/13/14 - MP <https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/489591800> - Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) GS-601-15 – DE <https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/489597400> - *Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) GS-601-15 – MP <https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/489597400>* - Supervisory Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) GS-601-15 - DE <https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/489595200> - Supervisory Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) GS-601-15 – MP <https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/489592900> **DE = Delegated Examining position open to U.S. Citizens (public announcement)* **MP = Merit Promotion position open to federal employees only.* **************************************************************** Regards, Michele ----- Michele Ferrante <michele.ferrante(a)nih.gov>, PhD Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience <http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/organization/dnbbs/behavioral-science-and-int…> & Computational Psychiatry <https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/organization/dtr/adult-psychopathology-and-p…> NIMH Ph. 301-435-6782 <(301)%20435-6782> | WebEx <https://nih.webex.com/join/ferrantemnih.gov> | 6001 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20852, Office # 7202

Jan. 30, 2018

Reminder: Call for Workshops - Bernstein Conference 2018

by Kerstin Schwarzwaelder

The Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience invites proposals for Satellite Workshops directly preceding the Bernstein Conference 2018 in Berlin. ************************************************************** Important Dates: Satellite Workshops: September 25 - 26, 2018 Main Bernstein Conference: September 26 - 28, 2018 Deadline for Satellite Workshop proposal submission: March 15, 2018 Notification of Workshop acceptance: April 2018 ************************************************************** Since 2013, the Bernstein Conference hosts pre-conference workshops which provide a stage to discuss topical research questions, novel scientific approaches and challenges in Computational Neuroscience and related fields. Workshops addressing controversial issues, open problems, and comparisons of competing approaches are encouraged. The format should be designed to foster debate, rather than a mere series of talks. The selection criteria for Workshop proposals will include scientific excellence, topical relevance and gender diversity. 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. Satellite Workshop schedule: September 25, 2018, 2:00 pm - 6:30 pm September 26, 2018, 8:30 am - noon Workshop proposals are welcome for either half-day or full-day workshops. Workshop costs – FINANCIAL SUPPORT: All organizers and speakers of accepted workshops will receive a waiver for the workshop fee. Organizers of accepted workshops additionally receive a waiver for the main conference. Up to 10 selected workshops can receive financial support up to 1.500,00 € each. For further information about the conference, please visit the conference website http://www.bernstein-conference.de. INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSAL PREPARATION Workshop proposals must contain: 1) Workshop Title 2) Concise description of workshop topic 3) List of potential speakers indicating speaker commitment 4) Optional: a comment on how the organizers plan to achieve gender diversity among speakers Please use the Workshop Proposal Form that can be downloaded here: http://www.nncn.de/de/bernstein-conference/2018/satellite-workshops Deadline for submission of Workshop proposals: March 15, 2018 CONTACT: bernstein.network(at)fz-juelich.de We are looking forward to seeing you in Berlin! WORKSHOP SELECTION COMMITTEE: Jakob Macke (Workshop Chair) Tatjana Tchumatchenko (Workshop Vice Chair) Axel Borst Nicolas Brunel Anne Churchland Claudia Clopath Gaute Einevoll Adrienne Fairhall Gilles Laurent (Program Chair) Mate Lengyel Elad Schneidman Susanne Schreiber (Program Vice Chair) Terry Sejnowski Henning Sprekeler (Conference Host) Fred Wolf -- Dr. Kerstin Schwarzwälder Scientific Coordination / Management Officer Please note: Our email addresses have changed. Please use k.schwarzwaelder(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.schwarzwaelder@fz-juelich.de> Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Jülich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9589 mail: k.schwarzwaelder(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:k.schwarzwaelder@fz-juelich.de> web: www.nncn.de<http://www.nncn.de> Twitter: NNCN_Germany<https://twitter.com/NNCN_Germany> YouTube: Bernstein TV<https://www.youtube.com/user/BernsteinNetwork> Facebook: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.facebook.com/BernsteinNetwork/> LinkedIn: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jan. 30, 2018

PhD AND POSTDOC POSITIONS IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE AT ENS, PARIS

by Rava A. da Silveira

*Several DOCTORAL and POSTDOCTORAL openings in the group of RAVA AZEREDO DA SILVEIRA at the Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris* We will be hiring several Ph.D. students and postdocs to work on an array of projects on computation and coding in neural circuits. The projected studies range from the modeling of computations in retinal circuits, to the analysis of large sets of retinal and cortical data, to the investigations of mathematical models of coding. Some of the projects will be set in close collaboration with the experimental labs of Botond Roska (FMI, Basel) and Andreas Hierlemann (ETH, Basel); they will involve the study of mouse retina and cortex, primate retina, and human retina, and questions on the representation and transformation of sensory inputs in populations of neurons. Experience with data analysis and proficiency with numerical methods and programming, in addition to familiarity with neuroscience topics and mathematical and statistical methods, are desirable. Equally desirable are a spirit of intellectual adventure as well as drive and eagerness. The ENS, together with a number of neighboring institutions (College de France, Institut Curie, ESPCI, Paris Science et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, and Institut Pasteur), offers a rich scientific and intellectual environment, with a strong representation in computational neuroscience and related fields. Doctoral and postdoctoral salaries will be competitive, appreciably higher than standard French salaries. Depending on their projects, Ph.D. students and postdocs may wish to spend a fraction of their time in Basel, Switzerland, which features a first-rate community of researchers in experimental neuroscience. To apply, please send a letter of motivation, a statement of research interests limited to two pages, a curriculum vitae including a list of publications, and any relevant publications to rava(a)ens.fr, and arrange for three letters of recommendations to be sent to the same address. For full consideration, please apply by 1 March 2018.

Jan. 29, 2018

Register to ENCODS 2018 - FENS satellite Event

by Encods2018 Organising Committee

European Conference by Doctoral Students in FENS You still have time until January 31st to register to ENCODS 2018! Don't stay out of this unique experience for doctoral students. Please find below all the information you need to register. Dear fellow Neuroscience PhD students, We are pleased to invite you toENCODS 2018. We are a conference organised for and by doctoral students and a partner of FENS (Federation of European Neurosciences). ENCODS is a well-established international conference that started 2013 in Bordeaux and has since grown to become a leading event inspiring young scientists in the field of neuroscience. We aim to increase scientific exchange by bringing together young researchers, established scientists and visionaries. This new edition ofENCODS 2018 in Berlin, Germany is designed to move beyond the at times rigid speaker-audience concept by including a wide range of original activities to create a dynamic environment for new ideas and networking among scientists. What? ENCODS – the European Neuroscience Conference by Doctoral Students When? 5^th-6^th July 2018 Where? Berlin, Germany Who? Doctoral students from every discipline within the field of neuroscience How? Register for ENCODS 2018 at https://fens.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe5b340a4b3a8c1ae5a27047&i… Please note that registration will open from 1^st December 2017 - 31^st January 2018. Registration fee waivers and travel grants are available, pending availability and application approval. For more information about us and our programme take a look at our poster (attached) or visit us in our social media: https://fens.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe5b340a4b3a8c1ae5a27047&i… https://fens.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe5b340a4b3a8c1ae5a27047&i… https://fens.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe5b340a4b3a8c1ae5a27047&i… We look forward to seeing you there! The ENCODS 2018 Berlin Team ============================================================ ** (https://fens.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe5b340a4b3a8c1ae5a27047&i…) ** (https://fens.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe5b340a4b3a8c1ae5a27047&i…) ** (https://fens.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe5b340a4b3a8c1ae5a27047&i…) ** (https://fens.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6fe5b340a4b3a8c1ae5a27047&i…) Copyright © 2018 Encods2018, All rights reserved. You are receiving this e-mail because you were interested to participate in ENCODS2017 Our mailing address is: Encods2018 Philippstr. 13 Building 4 (Ostertaghaus) Berlin 10115 Germany Want to change how you receive these emails? You can ** update your preferences (https://fens.us17.list-manage.com/profile?u=6fe5b340a4b3a8c1ae5a27047&id=07…) or ** unsubscribe from this list (https://fens.us17.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=6fe5b340a4b3a8c1ae5a27047&i…) . Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…

Jan. 29, 2018

M-GATE School: Under the Surface of Memory Phenomena

by Alessandro Treves

TEX2018, the Cognitive Neuroscience summer activity at SISSA, Trieste will host this year "Under the Surface of Memory Phenomena", a school https://indico.sissa.it/e/tex2018/ organized by the M-GATE Innovative Training Network (https://www.mgate.eu/) open to other participants, from June 25 to July 3 2018. Apply now for 10-night accommodation, at cost (340 Euro), or register for self-organized participation (within space constraints), and join us also for the in-set symposium Remembering Daniel Amit, and Beyond! Deadline for applications April 2. Clever inquiries from tex(a)sissa.it -- Alessandro Treves http://people.sissa.it/~ale/limbo.html SISSA - Cognitive Neuroscience, via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy +39-040-3787623 Ambassador (BlaBlaCar) +39-349-2504602

Jan. 29, 2018

Two Postdoc positions in Muenster, Germany

by Joachim Gross

The Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis at University of Muenster invites applications for a Research associate/Postdoctoral scientist (f/m) Ref.: 01689 Full-Time with 38,5 (hours/week) (Germany salary grade: E 13 TV-L, 100%) Two positions are intramurally funded and available for 2 years. We are searching for trained and highly motivated scientists holding a PhD or MD degree and having experience in electrophysiology, cognitive neuroimaging or similar disciplines. The successful candidates are expected to have a strong publication record in international peer-reviewed journals. The research project requires acquisition of MEG data and analysis of neuronal oscillations and their relationship to behaviour. Therefore, experience with MEG/EEG, programming and spectral analysis is essential. The successful applicants will join a dynamic team of both experienced and junior researchers with many national and international collaborations and a sustained record of high-quality research output. For more information please contact Prof Dr Joachim Gross, University of Muenster, Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, 48149 Münster, Germany, Email:. Joachim.Gross(at)wwu(dot)de Please send your application (including the above reference number) with all relevant information (CV, cover letter) by email (PDF-file, max. 5 MB) until 11.02.2018 to: bewerbung(at)ukmuenster(dot)de Applications of women are specifically invited. In the case of similar qualifications, competence, and specific achievements, women will be considered on preferential terms within the framework of the legal possibilities. Handicapped candidates with equivalent qualifications will be given preference. _________________________________________ Prof Dr Joachim Groß Director of Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis University of Muenster/Glasgow Phone:+49-251-8356865 [University of Glasgow: The Times Scottish University of the Year 2018]

Jan. 26, 2018

2 year post-doc position, LMU Munich, (PI / B. Bahrami )

by Deroy, Ophelia

Applications are sought for a 2-year post-doctoral researcher, to be based at the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich (Germany), working at the Faculty of Psychology with Dr.Bahador Bahrami Webpage : http://www.psy.lmu.de/exp/people/ma/bahrami/index.html The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary project involving Bahador Bahrami (UCL/LMU), Ophelia Deroy (LMU), Chris D. Frith (University of London) and Peter Latham (Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, UCL) aiming to examine the cognitive and computational bases of collective decisions under uncertainty. Requirements: The successful candidate will have (i) a strong background in quantitative methods (computational neuroscience, statistics, physics, machine learning) (ii) interest in interdisciplinary projects (iii) a PhD in physics (eg complex systems), psychology (cognitive or social), behavioural economics or neuroscience (behavioural, systems). Knowledge of experimental design, statistics and data analysis is expected. Strong command of linear algebra, probability theory, computer programming (web- based platforms (e.g. Java) and/or Python, Matlab) is highly desirable. The position is for two years,with an intermediate evaluation for satisfactory performance. The appointment will be made within the German TV-L E 13 salary scheme. If interested, please contact bbahrami(a)gmail.com for preliminary inquiries. Full advert: http://www.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de/lehreinheiten/phil_of_mind/personen/…

Jan. 26, 2018

POSTDOC OFFER in Theoretical Neurosciences (FUNDED BY THE HBP : SP4 (theory))

by Romain Veltz

Dear all, We are offering a two-year postdoc position to work within the Inria MathNeuro team <https://team.inria.fr/mathneuro/> (Sophia Antipolis, France) on Mean-field descriptions or thermodynamics limits of large populations of neurons. We are particularly interested to study multiple-time scale phenomena within this framework. The position is within the SP4 (Theory) of the HBP <https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/en/>. Candidates should have a background in mathematics or physics. Of particular to us are familiarity of the candidate with slow-fast dynamical systems, singular perturbation theory, bifurcation theory, probability theory, and a strong interest in applying these theories to neuroscience. Ability and willingness to do programming will also be a strong point to select candidates. They will be expected to interact with other participants of SP4 as well as with some participants of SP3. Interested candidates should send a CV and a short research proposal regarding the proposed topic (maximum one page) to one of the following address: mathieu.desroches(a)inria.fr <mailto:mathieu.desroches@inria.fr>, olivier.faugeras(a)inria.fr <mailto:olivier.faugeras@inria.fr>, romain.veltz(a)inria.fr <mailto:romain.veltz@inria.fr> Deadline for applying: 28 February 2018. Expected start date: 1st June 2018. Best regards Romain Veltz MathNeuro Project Team Inria Sophia Antipolis Méditerranée 2004 Route des Lucioles-BP 93 FR-06902 Sophia Antipolis Tel: +33 4 92 38 76 90 http://romainveltz.pythonanywhere.com/

Jan. 26, 2018

Special issue "An ecological perspective on decision-making"

by Davidson, Jacob

Hi Everyone, I want to let you know about a special issue I am co-editing, in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution: An Ecological Perspective on Decision-Making: Empirical and Theoretical Studies in Natural and Natural-Like Environments<https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/7283/an-ecological-perspective-…> Abstract submission deadline: 31 May 2018 Feel free to email me if you have questions and/or think about submitting something. Call for papers This Research Topic aims to connect quantitative behavioral analysis, individual cognition and decision-making, and neural-inspired models, with ecologically-relevant behavior such as foraging, nest and mate choice, predator avoidance, social interactions, and migration. Behavior is influenced by many factors in a dynamic environment. In contrast, laboratory tasks are often designed to eliminate parameters that could influence behavior, to generate data that fit existing models. Challenges in observing and quantifying behavior in natural situations have made it difficult to develop associated theoretical models, and to relate decision mechanisms to ecological and evolutionary mechanisms. However, recent advances in data acquisition technology, computer vision, behavioral modeling, and machine learning are changing this, by facilitating the collection and efficient processing of large amounts of data to extract relevant behavior and environmental details. New theoretical tools and methods are needed to analyze and model such data and to understand animal behavior in complex, ecologically relevant settings. This topic invites submissions that use theory and experiment to investigate behavioral choices relevant to an animal’s natural environment, and to link levels of organization of behavioral processes, from the neurobiological to individual to group and system-level. To understand how natural selection has shaped animal behavior and decision-making, it is crucial to link behavior in ecologically-relevant tasks with both the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, and the environmental context. Decision making has been a major focus in the systems and cognitive neuroscience community because it bridges sensory, motor, and executive functions. Important advances have been made in understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of decision-making, using neuronal recordings of animals as they engage in laboratory tasks such as the two-alternative forced choice task, and stochastic modeling of the decision processes. However, the day-to-day decisions made by an animal can be quite different from those made in idealized lab conditions. Choices are often made sequentially ("stay-or-go") instead of between simultaneous alternatives. Behavioral responses tend to be specific to a particular environmental context. Because the outcome of behavior influences an animal's survival and reproduction, evolution shapes behavior to perform in an animal's natural environment. Thus many decision strategies can only be understood in a particular ecological context. For example, context- or state-dependent decisions may be an appropriate strategy in a changing and uncertain environment, but are sub-optimal in a static context. Moreover, since decisions are constrained by an individual's underlying neurobiological circuitry and cognitive abilities, some decision-making mechanisms are the result of evolutionary history, conserved across different species. This interdisciplinary Research Topic aims to connect theorists and experimentalists studying decision-making in ecologically-relevant contexts. This work spans the fields of ecology, neuroscience, psychology, animal behavior, behavioral economics, computer science, mathematics and physics. Topics include, but are not limited to, foraging, habitat and mate choice, social relationships, perception-based decision modeling, quantitative behavioral analysis, and evolutionary studies. Both theoretical and experimental studies are welcome, and studies that combine both are especially encouraged. Cheers, Jacob -- Dr. Jacob Davidson Postdoctoral researcher Department Collective Behaviour Max Planck Institute for Ornithology jdavidson(a)orn.mpg.de<mailto:jdavidson@orn.mpg.de>

Jan. 26, 2018

Master in Brain and Cognition, Barcelona, Spain

by Ruben Moreno Bote

Dear Comp-neuro members, The Master in Brain and Cognition being offered at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain (http://www.upf.edu/mbc/) opens the rolling application period (final deadline is June 2018). The core of the master's programme is composed of the research groups at UPF's Center for Brain and Cognition (http://cbc.upf.edu) In this email, we emphasize the possibility of participation of outstanding candidates with strong quantitative background, such as physics, mathematics or machine learning eager to learn about computational and cognitive neuroscience. Candidates with these backgrounds could perform research activity with the following experts in computational neuroscience: Gustavo Deco (http://cns.upf.edu/) Albert Compte (http://complab.fcrb.es/complab/pres) Rubén Moreno-Bote (https://portal.upf.edu/web/ruben-moreno-bote) Overall, the groups participating at the Master are directed by renowned scientists in areas such as computational neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, psycholinguistics, vision, multisensory perception, human development and comparative cognition http://cbc.upf.edu/node/498 Students will be exposed to the ongoing research projects at the Center for Brain and Cognition and will be integrated in one of its main research lines, where they will conduct original research for their final project. Please visit the Master’s web page or contact masters.dtic(a)upf.edu for further information. Scientific-related questions such as fit of quantitative backgrounds can be consulted to Rubén Moreno-Bote, ruben.moreno(a)upf.edu Best, Rubén -- Rubén Moreno Bote Serra Húnter & ICREA Academia Professor Center for Brain and Cognition & Dept. of Information and Communications Technologies University Pompeu Fabra Campus Ciutadella, Building 24, office 331 Ramon Trias Fargas, 24-27 08005 Barcelona, Spain http://www.upf.edu/pdi/ruben-moreno-bote

Jan. 25, 2018

Scientist I/II in modeling visual behavior in mice at Allen Institute

by Stefan Mihalas

We are seeking to fill a position at the level of Scientist to work on computational and neuronal models of visually guided behavior. We use mouse vision as a model system. The Allen Institute for Brain Science is engaged in a major effort to quantitatively characterize the choices, states and neuronal activity during a set of visually guided behaviors. This position will focus on constructing simple models of behavior and neuronal activity, focused on understanding the computations implemented by the visual circuits. In addition, this position will also participate in team efforts of data analysis of both the behavioral and neuronal measurements. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Construct models of computations during a visually guided behavior. * Analyze how activities in the simulated networks related to the observed ones. * Participate in team efforts to analyze behavioral data. * Interact with groups performing simulations at other levels of resolution and with experimental groups. * Maintain clear and accurate communication with supervisor and team members. * Publish/present findings in peer-reviewed journals/scientific conferences. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS * PhD degree in computational neuroscience, physics, mathematics, applied mathematics or related field. * Strong background in scientific computing is required. * Strong publication record. * Strong background in scientific computing is required. * Experience in computational neuroscience is preferred. SCIENTIST I: 0-2 years postdoctoral experience in computational science SCIENTIST II: 3+ years postdoctoral experience in computational science PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Ability to meet aggressive timelines and deliverables in a collaborative environment. * Proven independent thinking and flexibility. * Strong written and verbal communication skills * Experience in pursuing research projects in collaborative fashion. Our mission at the Allen Institute for Brain Science is to accelerate the understanding of how the human brain works in health and disease. By implementing a team science approach on a large scale, we strive to generate useful public resources, drive technological innovations and discover fundamental brain properties through integration of experiments, modeling and theory. Stefan Mihalas Assistant Investigator Allen Institute for Brain Science www.alleninstitute.org<http://www.alleninstitute.org/> Affiliate Assistant Professor Department of Applied Mathematics University of Washington Shawn Olsen Assistant Investigator Allen Institute for Brain Science www.alleninstitute.org<http://www.alleninstitute.org/> Affiliate Assistant Professor Physiology and Biophysics University of Washington

Jan. 25, 2018

BGSMath Postdoctoral position on Dynamical Systems/Mathematical Neuroscience

by Toni Guillamon

The Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics has opened a call forone *“Banco de Santander – María de Maetzu” postdoctoral position* to work on *Dynamical Systems*. In particular, applications within *Mathematical Neuroscience* are very welcome. If the application is successful, the applicant will be hosted by the group on Mathematical Neuroscience at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), see https://mat-web.upc.edu/people/antoni.guillamon/Team/MathNeuroAtUPC.html. All the information about this position can be found at https://bgsmath.cat/event/bgsmath-banco-de-santander-postdoctoral-call-2017/ (see also an excerpt below). Please note that the deadline is *January 31st*. Interested applicants, please contact Toni Guillamon at antoni.guillamon(a)upc.edu. Best wishes, Toni Guillamon ***************************************************** Description Duration: Two-year position (full-time; 37.5 hour working week). Expected starting date is 1 September 2018. Gross salary: 26,250 euros/year. Research funds: Up to 2,000 euros/year. Medical insurance: Medical coverage for fellow and family through Spanish public health system. Requirements * PhD obtained between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015. The official date of the degree is considered to be the defense and approval date of the PhD thesis. * In the case of applicants with disabilities, the PhD degree could have been obtained between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015. * Career breaks will be taken into account to extend the lower date limit for obtaining the PhD degree. The career breaks can be due to family care or sick leave. These breaks should have taken place between 1 January 2012 and 17 January 2018 (as stated in article 74.3.b of BOE of 7 December 2017). * A minimum of 1 year of research work experience as PhD or postdoc outside BGSMath.

Jan. 24, 2018

Reminder: Upcoming Gordon Research Conference on Neuroelectronic Interfaces

by Ulrich G. Hofmann

Dear colleagues, as the number of participants is limited and the conference is filling up fast, do not forget to apply in time for the Gordon Research Conference on Neuroelectronic Interfaces: Beyond Feasibility - Bridging the Gap in Neuroelectronic Interfaces. (https://www.grc.org/neuroelectronic-interfaces-conference/2018/ <https://www.grc.org/neuroelectronic-interfaces-conference/2018/>) from March 25th to 30th at the Hotel Galvez, Galveston, TX. The conference is dedicated with very high profile speakers and open, off-the-record discussions to tackle the reported inability of penetrating brain implants to consistently record high quality neural signals over clinically relevant time frames. Looking forward to see you there! uli hofmann Ulrich G. Hofmann, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil., Peter-Osypka-Professor Chair Gordon Research Conference on Neuroelectronic Interfaces March 25-30 2018, Galveston TX http://www.grc.org/programs.aspx?id=17731 Medical Center -University of Freiburg Department of Neurosurgery Section for Neuroelectronic Systems Engesserstr. 4, 79108 Freiburg, Germany

Jan. 24, 2018

Okinawa/OIST Computational Neuroscience Course 2018: submission deadline next week

by Erik De Schutter

OKINAWA/OIST COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2018 Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors June 25 to July 12, 2018 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 25th through July 12th, 2018 at an oceanfront seminar house of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University. Applications are through the course web page (https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc) only; January 1 - February 3, 2018. Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance in March. Like in preceding years, the 15th OCNC will be a comprehensive three-week course covering single neurons, networks, and behaviors with ample time for student projects. The first week will focus exclusively on methods with hands-on tutorials during the afternoons, while the second and third weeks will have lectures by international experts. The course has a strong hands-on component based on student proposed modeling or data analysis projects, which are further refined with the help of a dedicated tutor. Applicants are required to propose their project at the time of application. There is no tuition fee. The sponsor will provide lodging and meals during the course and provides partial travel support. We hope that this course will be a good opportunity for theoretical and experimental neuroscientists to meet each other and to explore the attractive nature and culture of Okinawa, the southernmost island prefecture of Japan. Invited faculty: • Maxim Bazhenov (University of California San Diego, USA) • Michael Brecht (Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Germany) • Erik De Schutter (OIST) • Kenji Doya (OIST) • Shaul Druckmann (Janelia Research Campus, USA) • Karl Friston (Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, UCL, UK) • Wulfram Gerstner (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland) • Michele Giugliano (University of Antwerp, Belgium) • Mitsuo Kawato (ATR, Japan) • Bernd Kuhn (OIST) • Kazuhisa Shibata (Nagoya University, Japan) • Olaf Sporns (Indiana University, USA) • Greg Stephens (OIST) • Tatjana Tchumatchenko (MPI for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany) • Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova (University of Exeter, UK) • Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama (OIST)

Jan. 24, 2018

PhD position for classification of affective states using EEG and eye tracking in the context of a training task.

by Yannick Roy

PhD position for classification of affective states using EEG and eye tracking in the context of a training task. Description: Faubert Lab is looking for a PhD student to work on the detection and classification of affective states with EEG and eye tracking data during pilot training tasks. The PhD student will explore both online and offline solutions as well as traditional machine learning and novel deep learning approaches. The classification of affective states using EEG and eye tracking is one component of a bigger project and, therefore, the PhD student will work with other PhD and master students all responsible for different aspects of the project. Requirements: Faubert Lab expertise is in vision and perception and we are looking for someone with programming skills coming from a technical background such as engineering or computer science. Preferably with experience in machine learning and/or deep learning. Working conditions: This project is part of an NSERC industrial collaborative research and development grant with CAE, a world leader in flight simulation and training. This is a fully funded position: $21k / year for 3 years. Please send a curriculum vitae and a letter outlining research experience and career goals to faubertlab [at] opto.umontreal.ca For more information on Faubert Lab (University of Montreal), please visit http://faubertlab.com/ We thank all applicants for applying for this position, but only those considered for an interview will be contacted. -Yannick PhD Student, Faubert Lab University of Montreal

Jan. 24, 2018

COSYNE 2018: Registration, Hotels, Cosyne tutorial session

by Tomas Hromadka

==================================================== Computational and Systems Neuroscience 2018 (Cosyne) MAIN MEETING 01 - 04 March 2018 Denver, Colorado WORKSHOPS 05 - 06 March 2018 Breckenridge, Colorado www.cosyne.org ==================================================== ---------------------------------------------------- REGISTRATION AND HOTELS ---------------------------------------------------- Online registration for Cosyne is currently open. Please note that presenting authors must register for the main meeting by 31 January 2018. Early online registration deadline 06 February 2018, 2017, 11.59PM EST Hotel booking for Cosyne is currently open. Please note that deadlines for reduced hotel rates are fast approaching. For more detailed information on Cosyne registration and accommodation, please visit Cosyne.org -> Registration and Cosyne.org -> Hotels. ---------------------------------------------------- TRAVEL DISCOUNTS ---------------------------------------------------- For details on discounts for various travel options to and from Cosyne 2018, please visit Cosyne.org -> Transportation. ---------------------------------------------------- COSYNE TUTORIAL SESSION ---------------------------------------------------- This year, Cosyne is hosting its first tutorial session, sponsored by the Simons Foundation. The tutorial on "Statistical models for neural data: from GLMs to latent variables" will be given by Jonathan Pillow on 01 March 2018, before the main meeting starts. Space is limited. You can register for the tutorial when registering for the main meeting. For details on the tutorial and registration, see Cosyne.org -> Tutorial and Cosyne.org -> Registration. ---------------------------------------------------- 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 is 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. For details on workshop proposals please see below or visit Cosyne.org -> Workshops. 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. COSYNE SPEAKERS Tim Behrens (Oxford) Josh Berke (UCSF) Tiago Branco (UCL) Jessica Cardin (Yale) Claudia Clopath (Imperial) Marlene Cohen (Pittsburgh) Iain Couzin (Max-Planck) Carina Curto (Penn State) Ann Graybiel (MIT) Vivek Jayaraman (Janelia) Mate Lengyel (Cambridge) Joni Wallis (Berkeley) Byron Yu (CMU) ORGANIZING COMMITTEE General Chairs: Ilana Witten (Princeton) and Eric Shea-Brown (U Washington) Program Chairs: Linda Wilbrecht (Berkeley) and Brent Doiron (U Pittsburgh) Workshop Chairs: Laura Busse (LMU) and Ralf Haefner (U Rochester) Undergraduate Travel Chairs: Angela Langdon (Princeton) and Robert Wilson (U Arizona) Publicity Chair: Il Memming Park (Stony Brook) Development Chair: Michael Long (NYU) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Stephanie Palmer (U Chicago) Zachary Mainen (Champalimaud) Alexandre Pouget (U Geneva) Anthony Zador (CSHL) CONTACT meeting [at] cosyne.org COSYNE MAILING LISTS Please consider adding yourself to Cosyne mailing lists (groups) to receive email updates with various Cosyne-related information and join in helpful discussions. See Cosyne.org -> Mailing lists for details.

Jan. 23, 2018

Postdoc at Harvard (Drugowitsch Lab) in computational neuroscience

by Jan Drugowitsch

Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA Start: April 2018 or after We are looking for a highly creative and motivated postdoctoral fellow to work in the field of computational and systems neuroscience in the group of Jan Drugowitsch - Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School (http://neuro.hms.harvard.edu/people/faculty/jan-drugowitsch) The group works on questions of decision-making and navigation under uncertainty, ranging from the level of neural populations to that of behavior. In the short term, the postdoctoral fellow is expected to design and analyze behavioral and neural models of decision-making that are gauged against data from human subjects, collected by the laboratory of Dr. Wyart at École Normale Supérieure, Paris. In the long term, close interaction and collaboration with other members of the department is anticipated. Candidates should have a strong analytical background, such as in computational neuroscience, physics, mathematics, engineering, or related, and feature an interest in the role of computation in neural populations and in theoretical neuroscience in general. Experience or familiarity with related machine-learning fields is also desirable. Previous experience should include sufficient programming skills to run numerical simulations, Bayesian methods, and expertise in the analysis of dynamical systems. The position starts in or after April 2018, and is funded for several years, with an initial one-year appointment and expectation of extension given satisfactory performance. Salary depends on experience and is at levels above the NIH scale. Candidates should send a single pdf file, consisting of a 1-page motivation letter, CV, and publication list to jan_drugowitsch(a)hms.harvard.edu. Furthermore, candidates should organize two letters of reference, to be sent to the same e-mail address. The position is open until filled. Dr. Drugowitsch will be available at the Computational and Systems Neuroscience Conference (Cosyne), to take place March 1-6, for questions and further information about the opening. Harvard is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Jan Drugowitsch Assistant Professor in Neurobiology Harvard Medical School https://drugowitschlab.hms.harvard.edu/

Jan. 23, 2018

postdoc in depression DBS at Georgia Tech

by Christopher Rozell

A postdoc position at the intersection of computational neuroscience, clinical neuropsychiatry and data analysis is available working jointly with the labs of Christopher Rozell and Robert Butera at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA). This BRAIN Initiative research project seeks to develop electrophysiological biomarkers to characterize disease progression and optimize deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment-resistant depression. This clinically-focused project (clinical lead is Dr. Helen Mayberg) is a collaboration with Emory University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai that is providing access to one-of-a-kind human electrophysiology data recorded by implanted DBS devices *during therapy* in an experimental trial. The role of our computational team is to develop analysis and modeling approaches to identify electrophysiological signatures that correlate with treatment response and optimize stimulation parameters. This is an opportunity to work on a challenging scientific problem with real impact on a sick patient population. Applicants should hold a PhD in a related discipline with a strong research record. Experience in advanced techniques for analyzing time-series data (e.g., signal processing and machine learning) is desirable, additional experience in computational neuroscience modeling and working with neurophysiology data is helpful . The labs are committed to the professional development of the members, making it valuable preparation for people who are interested in academic, industrial or entrepreneurial careers. The position has no mandatory teaching or administrative duties. Excellent (written and oral) communication skills in English are required. The ideal start date is May 2018. The position is initially for 12 months with the possibility of renewal. Compensation will be commensurate with relevant experience. Georgia Tech has competitive benefits (including comprehensive medical insurance) and is an equal opportunity employer. Georgia Tech's campus in the heart of midtown Atlanta, which is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas (and entrepreneurial communities) in the United States. Atlanta boasts a wide range of opportunities for recreation, culture, and easy access to domestic and international transportation. Candidates should send a CV, a statement of research experience and interests, expected date of availability, and the contact information for three references to christopher.thomas(a)ece.gatech.edu with the subject line "Neuro DBS postdoc". Application review will proceed until the position is filled and should be received by February 19, 2018 for full consideration.

Jan. 23, 2018

Deadline extension for ICMNS 2018: February 4

by Etienne Tanre

Dear all, Under popular and friendly pressure, we have decided to extend the abstract submission deadline for ICMNS 2018 <http://icmns2018.inria.fr/>: Submissions <http://icmns2018.inria.fr/submission/> are opened until Sunday February 4, 23.59 (GMT + 1). We hope to see you in Juan les Pins in June 2018. All the best, Susanne Ditlevsen Bard Ermentrout Etienne Tanré > > ============ > FIRST CALL > ============ > > We are delighted to announce the 4th International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience (ICMNS 2018), to be held at the Congress Center in Juan-les-Pins, on the French Riviera. > Tutorials will be held on June 10, and the main conference is June 11 - June 13. > More details are given on the conference website: > > https://icmns2018.inria.fr <https://icmns2018.inria.fr/> > > The International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience will provide a forum for researchers to discuss current mathematical innovations emerging in neuroscience. > A major aim of the conference is to attract and train young researchers on current methods in mathematical neuroscience. > To fulfill this goal, we will hold a tutorial the day before the main meeting. > The main conference will feature a broader set of topics in mathematical neuroscience, with a focus on > (a) the use of experimental data in modeling studies; > (b) theory and models that explore hypotheses and design better experiments; > (c) rigorous mathematical models of neural systems; > (d) improved methods for analyzing complex data sets. > > Abstract Submission: > We encourage abstract submission by researchers from all areas of mathematical neuroscience. > One page abstracts will be reviewed by the Program Committee and divided into parallel talk sessions and poster sessions. > > Details will be given on the web site <https://icmns2018.inria.fr/>. > > The abstract submission <http://icmns2018.inria.fr/submission/> deadline is January 23, 2018. > > Student Awards: > We offer student awards. To apply, students must submit an abstract and include a current CV as part of their submitted document in Easychair <https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=icmns2018>. > > Program Committee > Daniele Avitabile (Univ. of Nottingham, UK) > Nicolas Brunel (Duke Univ., USA) > Carina Curto (Pennsylvania State Univ., USA) > Rodica Curtu (Univ. of Iowa, USA) > Mathieu Desroches (Inria Sophia-Antipolis, France) > Lubomir Kostal (Inst. of Physiology, Czech Republic) > Carlo Laing (Massey Univ., New Zealand) > Benjamin Lindner (Bernstein C. for Comp. Neuroscience Berlin, Germany) > Eva Löcherbach (Univ. Cergy-Pontoise, France) > André Longtin (Univ. Ottawa, Canada) > Jeff Moehlis (Univ. California Santa Barbara, USA) > Hiroya Nakao (Tokyo Instit. of Technology, Japan) > Patricia Reynaud Bouret (Univ Nice, France) > Horacio G. Rotstein (Rutgers Univ. / New Jersey Inst. of Technology, USA) > Alex Roxin (CRM Barcelona, Spain) > Laura Sacerdote (Univ. of Torino, Italia) > Delphine Salort (Univ Pierre et Marie Curie, France) > Shigeru Shinomoto (Kyoto Univ., Japan) > Wilhelm Stannat (TU Berlin, Germany) > Denis Talay (Inria Sophia-Antipolis, France) > Michèle Thieullen (Univ Pierre et Marie Curie, France) > Martin Wechselberger (Univ Sydney, Australia) > Advisory Board > Paul Bressloff (Univ. of Utah, USA) > Evelyn Buckwar (JKU Linz, Austria) > Stephen Coombes (Univ. of Nottingham, UK) > Olivier Faugeras (Inria Sophia Antipolis, France) > Julijana Gjiorgjieva (Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Germany) > Zachary Kilpatrick (Univ. of Houston, USA) > Robert Rosenbaum (Univ. of Notre Dame, USA) > Romain Veltz (Inria Sophia Antipolis, France) > > We hope to see you in Juan les Pins this June! > > All the best, > > Susanne Ditlevsen > Bard Ermentrout > Etienne Tanré >

Jan. 23, 2018

Register for ENCODS 2018 - European Neuroscience Conference by Doctoral Students - Deadline January 31st

by Organizers ENCODS2018

We are pleased to invite you to: *ENCODS 2018* (European Neuroscience Conference by Doctoral Students) Berlin, Germany, 5-6 July 2018 We are a conference organised for and by doctoral students and a partner of FENS (Federation of European Neuroscience Societies). We aim to increase scientific exchange by bringing together young researchers, established scientists and visionaries. This new edition of ENCODS 2018 in Berlin, Germany, is designed to move beyond the sometimes rigid speaker-audience concept by including a wide range of original activities to create a dynamic environment for blossoming of ideas and networking among scientists. What? ENCODS – the European Neuroscience Conference by Doctoral Students When? 5th-6th July 2018, the days preceding the FENS Forum Where? Berlin, Germany Who? Doctoral students from every discipline within the field of neuroscience How? Register for ENCODS 2018 at http://www.fens.org/Training/ENCODS/ENCODS2018/Registration-Information/ Please note that registration is open until the *31st January 2018*. Registration fee waivers and travel grants are available, pending availability and application approval. Why? * Exciting talks: - Big neuroscience projects: Nancy Ip, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - Novel methods in neuroscience: Thomas Knöpfel, Imperial College London - Science and industry: Sakyasingha Dasgupta, Ascent Robotics, Inc. Japan - The future of health: Elisabeth Binder, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich * 16 selected student talks * Engaging workshops: - Open science, Bianca Kramer and Jeroen Bosman, Utrecht University Library, Netherlands - The publication process, Paul Bolam, University of Oxford, UK - Experimental design, Chris Hartgerink, Tilburg University, Netherlands - Presentation skills, Anna Elena Pepe, Phoebus coaching, UK * An afternoon of Unconference, a participant-driven space for open discussion * Science & Society session: Methods of an embodied mind (supported by the Schering Stiftung, Berlin) For more information and registration, visit: http://www.fens.org/Training/ENCODS/ENCODS2018/

Jan. 23, 2018

Postdoc position in Deep Learning and Animal Behavior modellig

by david robbe

Dear Colleagues, The Turing Centre for Living Systems in Marseille seeks applicants for a postdoc position in computational neuroscience/robotics under the joint supervision of David Robbe and Christophe Eloy. Project abstract – The goal of this project is to understand, at an algorithmic level, how animals learn to develop adaptative behavior by trial-and-error interaction with their environment. We propose an interdisciplinary approach combining behavioral experiments in rats and the development of an «artificial» agent facing challenges similar to those experienced by the rats. The experimental data (already available) show that rats challenged in a time estimation task converged progressively toward a conserved embodied strategy (Rueda-Orozco and Robbe, Nature Neuroscience, 2015). Key determinants of that strategy have been isolated experimentally, by altering task rules and environment and quantifying how these alterations affect animal performance. The core of the artificial agent will be a reinforcement-learning algorithm, which will be trained through virtual experiments simulating the time estimation task. A first objective will be to parametrize algorithms such that they solve this time estimation task and to compare artificial and natural (rat) strategies. The artificial double will eventually be complemented by a robot embodying the learning algorithm. Assessment of algorithmic predictions and possible biological implementation will be tested in new experiments in which the impact of alterations of key task parameters and brain activity on animals performance will be measured. This back and forth interaction between experiments and theory will provide us with new understandings of the mechanisms underlying adaptative motor learning. Expected profile – The main task of the project will be to develop reinforcement learning algorithms and therefore we expect the candidates to have a solid background in machine learning. Since one of the objective is to build simple robots, knowledge in robotics would be an asset. The successful applicant will work in close collaboration with experimentalists and robotic engineers. We are therefore looking for an enthusiastic applicant with excellent communication skills and a track record in interdisciplinary collaborative environments. Supervisors David Robbe - Inmed, UMR 1249 - The neural bases of sensorimotor learning <http://www.inmed.fr/en/en-avenir-dynamiques-neuronales-et-fonctions-des-gan…> Christophe Eloy - IRPHE, UMR 7342 - Biomechanics, aerodynamics, soft matter and biophysics <https://www.irphe.fr/%7Eeloy/> Deadline for application: 28th February Information and submission: http://centuri-livingsystems.org/recruitment-pd2018-10/ -- David Robbe, PhD Neuronal dynamics and functions of the basal ganglia Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée (INMED) INSERM-UMR901 163, avenue de Luminy. BP13 13273 Marseille Cedex 9 France http://www.inmed.fr/avenir-dynamiques-neuronales-et-fonctions-des-ganglions… Tel: +33 4 91 82 81 99 Fax: +33 4 91 82 81 05 "It is disturbingly common for studies to include behavior as simply a hasty add-on in papers that are otherwise crammed full of multiple techniques, types of results, and even species. It is as if every paper needs to be a methodological decathlon in order to be considered important." Krakauer et al., Neuron 2017

Jan. 23, 2018

PhD Position -- Neural Circuits, Space and Memory

by Andrea Burgalossi

The lab of Andrea Burgalossi at the Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN) in Tübingen is looking for a PhD student in IN-VIVO ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, SPATIAL NAVIGATION AND MEMORY (IN RODENTS) Our research focuses on the cellular basis of spatial coding in the cortico-hippocampal circuit. We employ state-of-the-art electrophysiology techniques for monitoring the activity of identified neurons in freely-behaving rodents (rats and mice). Possible projects involve the use of juxtacellular and/or extracellular recordings -in combination with optogenetics and viral-tracing methods- for recording and manipulating anatomically-defined cell types while mice perform memory tasks in ‘virtual’ or ‘real’ environments. The projects are aimed at dissecting the contribution of distinct cell types to the neural representation of space, to spatial navigation and memory functions. The candidate is required to have a strong quantitative/computational background (e.g. mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, etc…) and excellent programming skills in MATLAB. Previous experience in electrophysiology (especially tetrode recordings) and the analysis of neural data are desirable, but not essential. Applications contaning CV and names of at least two referees should be addressed to Andrea Burgalossi (ANDREA.BURGALOSSI(a)CIN.UNI-TUEBINGEN.DE) Projects are related to these recent publications: Tang, Brecht and Burgalossi, /Nature Protocols/ (2014) 9:2369-81 Diamantaki et al., /Current Biology/ (2016) 26:536-41 Preston-Ferrer et al. /eLife/ (2016) pii: e14592 Diamantaki et al., /eLife/ (2016) pii: e20252 -- Andrea Burgalossi, PhD Cellular and Synaptic Basis of Behaviour Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN) Otfried-Müller-Straße 25 72076 Tübingen Tel: +49-(0)7071-29-88797 Fax: +49-(0)7071-29-25006 Lab web: www.burgalossilab.com CIN web: www.cin.uni-tuebingen.de

Jan. 21, 2018