- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Ph.D. positions in computational neuroscience at ESI

by Martin Vinck

The laboratory of Dr. Martin Vinck at the *Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience in Cooperation with Max Planck Society *is seeking candidates for Ph.D. positions. Students will work on two classes of problems. First, we aim to solve various methodological / neurostatistical problems for offline and on-line, closed-loop analysis of multivariate neuroscience datasets. Second, we are developing models of visual cortex in order to test specific hypotheses about the relationship between cortical dynamics and computation. PhD students will work together with experimental neuroscientists and apply methods and models to experimental datasets from primate and rodent animal models, including electrophysiological and calcium imaging data. We are primarily looking for students with training in a quantitative discipline (physics, engineering, computer science etc.). Interested candidates are invited to send their application materials in electronic form (PDF format) to martin.vinck(a)esi-frankfurt.de Applications should contain a letter of intent, a detailed curriculum vitae, lists of university courses completed with marks obtained, and the names of at least two scientists who can give references. The advertisement will be valid until positions are filled. Dr. Martin Vinck martin.vinck(a)esi-frankfurt.de Research Group Leader Ernst Struengmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience in Cooperation with Max Planck Society Deutschordenstr. 46, D-60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

July 9, 2016

PhD/postdoc positions at Ernst Struengmann Institute for Neuroscience

by Martin Vinck

Our laboratory at the Ernst Struengmann Institute for Neuroscience in Cooperation with Max Planck Society is seeking candidates for Postdoc and Ph.D. positions. Projects involve the application of parallel, large-scale electrophysiological recording techniques of single units and EEG in combination with closed-loop optogenetic manipulation methods to investigate mechanisms of information encoding and transmission in mice brains. We are particularly interested in the way in which the brain efficiently encodes information, and the way in which sensory predictions established in higher areas influence sensory representations in earlier sensory areas. We are furthermore interested in investigating the role of GABAergic interneurons in selective attention and neuronal oscillations. We address these questions using laminar recordings in combination with optogenetics in mice, as well as through the development of novel tools for the quantitative analysis of large-scale electrophysiological data. Within the ESI, tight collaborations exist with the lab of Prof. Dr. Pascal Fries. Because we are searching for members that can strengthen an interdisciplinary team, we are encouraging students/researchers with a background either in biological/medical sciences or in physics/engineering/mathematics/etc. to apply. The ideal PhD or postdoc candidate has previous experience and strengths either in 1) performing hands-on experimental work and electrophysiological recordings or 2) hardware engineering and quantitative analysis of large-scale data. We are searching for applicants with good communication skills and a high commitment and curiosity about neuroscientific questions. Interested candidates are invited to send their application materials in electronic form (PDF format) to martin.vinck(a)esi-frankfurt.de Applications should contain a letter of intent, a detailed curriculum vitae, lists of university courses completed with marks obtained (only for PhD candidates), and the names of at least two scientists who can give references. The advertisement will be valid until positions are filled. Dr. Martin Vinck martin.vinck(a)esi-frankfurt.de Research Group Leader Ernst Struengmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience in Cooperation with Max Planck Society Deutschordenstr. 46, D-60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

July 9, 2016

Tenured Junior Research/Teaching Faculty Position in Computational Neuroscience at Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris, France

by Boris Gutkin

Tenured Junior Research/Teaching Faculty Position in Computational Neuroscience at Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris, France A tenured junior faculty position is expected to open in the Department of Cognitive Studies (DEC) at the ENS-Paris. The position profile is broad, focusing on computational neuroscience. The recruited candidate will join the Group for Neural Theory, which is part of the Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience,DEC, ENS Paris. The candidate is expected to have a strong background in theoretical neuroscience and/or computational neuroscience. The candidate is expected to develop an active research program and integrate into the GNT. Teaching in neuroscience and computational neuroscience shall be done at the ENS within the cognitive sciences masters program. The Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience provides opportunities to develop a collaborative research program in computational neuroscience of decision making. Further collaborative opportunities exist within the department and local laboratories involved in electrophysiology and/or psychophysics. The next cycle of recruitment for a Junior Faculty position in computational neuroscience shall be announced in the spring of 2017. In order to apply for the position candidates need to pre-qualify with the National University Council. The deadline for the pre-qualification is in October 2016. Help with putting together the application shall be given to potential candidates who should contact mc.comp.gnt(a)gmail.com

July 8, 2016

Special Issue of Applied Soft Computing on Non-iterative Approaches in Learning

by Teng Teck Hou

Special Issue of Applied Soft Computing (Elsevier) (Impact Factor: 2.8) Submission is open now Special Issue on Non-iterative Approaches in Learning (Includes comparisons with iterative methods) Call for Papers http://www.journals.elsevier.com/applied-soft-computing/call-for-papers/spec ial-issue-on-non-iterative-approaches-in-learning-includ/ Optimization, which plays a central role in learning, has received considerable attention from academics, researchers, and domain workers. Many optimization problems in machine learning are solved by iterative methods which generate a sequence of improving approximated solutions with some termination criteria. These methods usually suffer from low convergence rate and are sensitive to parameter settings (such as learning rate/step size, maximum number of iterations). On the other hand, non-iterative solutions, which are usually presented in closed-form manner, are in general computationally faster than iterative solutions. However, comparative studies with iterative methods are also welcome. The main focus of this special issue is to present the recent advances in non-iterative solutions in learning. Original contributions and surveys are welcome. The special issue aims to promote non-iterative concepts in the field of learning. Even though non-iterative methods have attracted much attention in recent years, there exists a performance gap when compared with older methods and other competing paradigms. This special issue aims to bridge this gap. Besides the dissemination of the latest research results on non-iterative algorithms, it is also expected that this special issue will cover some industrial applications, present some new ideas and identify directions for future studies. The topics of the special issue include, but are not limited to: * Methods with and without randomization * Regression, classification and time series * Kernel methods such as kernel ridge regression, kernel adaptive filters, etc. * Feedforward, recurrent, multilayer, deep and other structures. * Ensemble learning * Moore-Penrose pseudo inverse, SVD and other solution procedures. * Non-iterative methods for large-scale problems with and without kernels * Theoretical analysis of non-iterative methods * Comparative studies with competing iterative methods * Applications of non-iterative solutions in domains such as power systems, biomedical, finance, signal processing, big data and all other areas Submission format and Guidelines Papers will be evaluated based on their originality, presentation, relevance and contribution to the development of non-iterative methods, as well as their suitability and the quality in terms of both technical contribution and writing. The submitted papers must be written in good English and describe original research which has not been published nor is currently under review by other journals or conferences. If used, the previously published conference papers should be clearly identified by the authors (at the submission stage) and an explanation should be provided how such papers have been extended to be considered for this special issue. Guest Editors will make an initial determination on the suitability and scope of all submissions. Papers that either lack originality, clarity in presentation or fall outside the scope of the special issue will not be sent for review and the authors will be promptly informed of such cases. Author guidelines for preparation of manuscript can be found at http://www.journals.elsevier.com/applied-soft-computing/ Manuscripts should be submitted online at: http://ees.elsevier.com/asoc/ Applied Soft Computing Journal is well indexed. Its impact factors are 2.8 (2 years) and 3.2 (5 years). Important dates Manuscript submission: 15th Aug 2016 Revised version submission: 31st Jan 2017 Acceptance notification: 31st March 2017 Expected Publication: Mid 2017 Guest Editors Dr P N Suganthan, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. epnsugan(a)ntu.edu.sg Prof. Sushmita Mitra, Indian Statistical Institute, India. sushmita(a)isical.ac.in Dr Ivan Tyukin, Department of Mathematics, University of Leicester, UK. I.Tyukin(a)le.ac.uk

July 8, 2016

IEEE CIDM 2016

by Friedhelm Schwenker

CALL FOR PAPERS Paper Submission Deadline: July 18, 2016 IEEE CIDM 2016 IEEE Symposium on Computational Intelligence and Data Mining December 6-9, 2016, Athens, Greece SSCI 2016:http://ssci2016.cs.surrey.ac.uk/CIDM.htm CIDM 2016:http://neuro.informatik.uni-ulm.de/CIDM2016/ IEEE CIDM 2016 organized by the IEEE Computational Intelligence Society Data Mining Technical Committee is part (one of 30 symposia) of the IEEE Symposium Series of Computational Intelligence (IEEE SSCI 2016). IEEE CIDM 2016 will bring together researchers and practitioners from around the world to discuss the latest advances in the field of computational intelligence applied to data mining and will act as a major forum for the presentation of recent results in theory, algorithms, systems and applications. Topics related to all aspects of data mining, such as theories, algorithms, systems and applications, particularly those based on computational intelligence technologies, are welcome; these include, but are not limited to: • Neural networks for data mining • Evolutionary algorithms for data mining • Fuzzy sets for data mining • Data mining with soft computing • Foundations of data mining • Mining with big data • Classification, Clustering, Regression • Association • Feature learning and feature engineering • Machine learning algorithms • Multimedia data mining • Text mining • Link and graph mining • Social media mining • Collaborative filtering • Crowd sourcing • Personalization • Security, privacy and social impact of data mining • Data mining applications Important Dates • Paper submission: July 18, 2016 • Notification to authors: September 12, 2016 • Final submission: October 10, 2016 • Early registration: October 10, 2016 Co-Chairs Carlotta Domeniconi, Georg Mason University, USA Friedhelm Schwenker, Ulm University, Germany Zhi-Hua Zhou, Nanjing University, China -- PD Dr. Friedhelm Schwenker University of Ulm Institute of Neural Information Processing D-89069 Ulm, Germany phone: +49-731-50-24159 fax: +49-731-50-24156 email: friedhelm.schwenker(a)uni-ulm.de www: http://www.uni-ulm.de/in/neuroinformatik/mitarbeiter/f-schwenker.html

July 6, 2016

Postdoctoral position in Computational Neuroscience at IIT (Italy)

by Stefano Panzeri

(apologies for cross posting) We are seeking candidates for a postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience in the Neural Computation Laboratory at the IIT https://www.iit.it/research/lines/neural-computation directed by Stefano Panzeri and located in Rovereto (Trento), Italy. This laboratory aims to crack the neural code using neural network modeling and computational analyses of neurophysiological experiments. The laboratory offers a range of strongly interdisciplinary expertise in computational neuroscience, including information theory and other types of advanced single-trial neural analyses, advanced spectral analysis, and biophysically plausible neural network modeling. The successful candidate will develop and use tools for the analysis of large-scale simultaneous recordings of the spiking activity of cells in the cortex to understand how populations of neurons carry information. The successful candidate would have the opportunity to benefit from an extensive set of existing collaborations with leading neurophysiological laboratories, including those of Nikos Logothetis at Max Planck Tubingen (collaborating on oscillations, sensory information coding and neuromodulation), Tommaso Fellin at IIT (collaborating on Optogenetics, Neurophysiology and Neural coding), Mathew Diamond at SISSA (collaborating on the behavioral impact of information carried by spike timing), and Christopher Harvey at Harvard Medical School (collaborating on neural population dynamics and decision making). We are willing to consider candidates interested in any of the aspects of neural coding of interest to the laboratory. Candidates must hold a PhD in a numerate scientific discipline. They must be highly motivated and creative individuals who want to work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research environment and be willing to interact with both experimental and theoretical neuroscientists. For reference to recent work of the lab please see Safaai, H., et al (2015) Modelling the effect of Locus Coeruleous firing on single trial cortical state dynamics and sensory processing. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 112(41): 12834–12839 Zuo Y, et al (2015) Spike timing and spike rate make complementary contributions to perceptual decisions in rat S1 and S2 cortex. Current Biology 25: 357-363 Besserve M, Lowe S, Logothetis NK, Scholkopf B, Panzeri S (2015) Shifts of gamma phase across primary visual cortical sites reflect dynamic stimulus- modulated information transfer. PLoS Biology 13(9): e1002257. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1002257 Panzeri, S, et al (2015) Neural population coding: combining insights from microscopic and mass signals, Trends in Cognitive Sciences 19: 162-172. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Stefano Panzeri ( stefano.panzeri(a)iit.it <https://mail.iit.it/owa/redir.aspx?C=oajclq8rPE6FcMCJ-lI1Hsu55NFH69II9YBluB…>), emailing their CV, a brief statement of research interests, and names and email addresses of 2 or 3 referees.

July 5, 2016

Associate Professor Position in Data Sciences (Big Data) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences

by Hans Ekkehard Plesser

Dear Colleagues! The Department of Mathematical Sciences and Technology (IMT) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a permanent, full-time position available for an Associate Professor in Data Sciences (Big Data). The position is part of the University's programme for the recruitment of top researchers, which aims to recruit young researchers with great potential for NMBU. The position will include: • one PhD Position (3 years) • NOK 0.25 million in operating funds Application deadline is 1 October 2016. For details, please see https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/127472/associate-professor-i… Best, 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/~plesse

July 5, 2016

2 open PhD positions at TU Dresden, Germany

by Stefan Kiebel

The Department of Psychology at the TU Dresden (Chair of Neuroimaging, PI: Stefan Kiebel) is looking for two PhD students. One of the PhD student positions is in experimental cognitive neuroscience, and one is in computational neuroscience. Both PhD positions will be working at the interface between computational and experimental neuroimaging research in cognitive control and goal-directed action sequences. Detailed information about both positions can be found at: http://tiny.cc/8ii4by Both positions are part of the DFG-funded CRC 940 'volition and cognitive control' (http://www.sfb940.de/en/home.html) The CRC was established in 2012 and will be funded for the next four years. The CRC aims at identifying the cognitive and neuronal mechanism, which underlie the volitional control of goal-directed actions as well as its dysfunctions in selected mental disorders. PhD position 1: The candidate will work as a member of a team in the CRC940-Project A9 on computational modelling of goal-directed actions and explaining dynamics in cognitive control in terms of variations in meta-control parameters. In this project, neuroimaging (fMRI and EEG) experiments will be used to test hypotheses derived using advanced Bayesian models of goal-reaching over multiple trials. http://tiny.cc/8ii4by (PhD position Cognitive Neuroscience) PhD position 2: The candidate will work as a member of a team in the CRC940-Project Z2 on advanced computational modelling of functional magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography data. In this project, advanced modelling techniques will be developed and extended to enable testing novel experimental hypotheses using fMRI and EEG. http://tiny.cc/8ii4by (PhD position Computational Neuroscience) --> The application deadline for both positions is the 14th of July. -- Prof. Dr. Stefan Kiebel Technische Universität Dresden School of Science Department of Psychology 01062 Dresden, Germany Tel.: +49 (351) 463-43145 Fax: +49 (351) 463-43147

July 5, 2016

Research Engineer position - Axion/Columbia

by Robert Butera

Passing this on for a colleague - contact the email address in the job ad for more information. RESEARCH ENGINEER Axion BioSystems, Inc. is a life science company located in Atlanta, GA. We design, develop and manufacture instrumentation used for the precise monitoring and control of excitable cells. Axion’s products are used by pharmaceutical and biotech companies, governmental agencies, and universities for drug safety, drug discovery, and disease modeling assays. We are currently seeking an energetic scientist to lead Axion’s efforts in a collaboration with the Institute for Genomic Medicine (IGM) at Columbia University. The objective of the collaboration is to interrogate the genetic mechanisms of epilepsy with multiwell microelectode array (MEA) technology. The newly developed IGM is an integral part of Columbia University’s Precision Medicine Initiative. As part of this Initiative, the IGM performs comprehensive genomic analyses on more than 10,000 patient genomes per year in order to identify new therapeutic targets of neurodevelopmental disorders including epilepsy. In order to understand how the implicated mutation affects disease, the laboratories of David Goldstein and Michael Boland use both primary neurons from mouse models of epilepsy and neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells to study the effects of epilepsy gene mutations on neurodevelopment and neural network behavior. The selected individual will contribute analytical and electrophysiological expertise to complement a highly skilled team of molecular biologists. JOB FUNCTIONS: • Execution of neurophysiological experiments with the multiwell MEA platform. The ability to interpret or debug experiments in real-time is important, such as distinguishing signal from noise or artifacts. • Analysis of large electrophysiological data sets, primarily from the multiwell MEA platform, but also including complementary in vivo data. • Develop experimental hypotheses and identify expected results. Must confirm results through independent analysis and investigate any discrepancies that appear, while understanding the strengths and limitations of model systems (i.e., cellular vs. animal). • Drive innovation of the multiwell MEA assay, leading to new experimental methods and analytical techniques. • Work well in a fast-paced, collaborative environment at Columbia University in New York City, with an ability to communicate well with the Axion team in Atlanta. REQUIREMENTS: • PhD in neuroscience or neuroengineering. A recent post-doc experience is a plus. • Hands-on research experience with electrophysiology techniques. Specific experience with MEA technology is desired. • Biostatistical and data analysis experience. • Experience with software analysis tools such as MATLAB or MiniTAB. • Attention to detail with good documentation and communication skills. • U.S Citizenship or permanent residency required. USEFUL KNOWLEDGE: The following are not required, but will enhance an applicant’s candidacy. • Hands on experience in general biological protocols including knowledge of primary cell dissociation, cell culture protocols, CRISPR, gene editing, and basic molecular techniques. • Experience with screening technologies, such as high-throughput patch clamp or high content imaging. • Knowledge of pharmacology and neurotoxicity research. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you are interested in this position, please send your resume and cover letter to careers(a)axionbio.com

July 1, 2016

CFP: Advances in Biologically Inspired Reservoir Computing

by John Butcher

Dear all, We are seeking papers for a special issue on Reservoir Computing, paper submission deadline is 31st September 2016. For more details see below and http://ispac.diet.uniroma1.it/cognitive-computation-special-issue/ Many thanks *Scope and motivation* *Reservoir computing is a family of techniques for training and analyzing recurrent neural networks, wherein the recurrent portion of the network is assigned before the training process, typically via stochastic assignment of its weights. The non-linear reservoir acts as a high-dimensional kernel space, which generates complex dynamics characterized by sharp transitions between ordered and chaotic regimes. The behavior of this model emulates the functioning of many biological (complex) systems, among which the brain.* *Driven by the conceptual simplicity of the reservoir and by links with neuroscience, computer science and systems’ theory, researchers have achieved remarkable breakthroughs, both in theory and in practice. These include dynamical models for explaining the working behavior of reservoirs, unsupervised strategies for the adaptation of the network, and the design of unconventional computing architectures for its execution.* *The recent upsurge of interest in fully adaptable recurrent networks, far from shifting the attention from the field, has brought renewed interest in reservoir computing models. In our era of extreme computational power and sophisticated problems, it is essential to understand the limits and the potentialities of simple (both deterministic and random) collections of processing units. For this reason, many fundamental questions remain open, including the design of optimal task-dependent reservoirs in a stable fashion, novel investigations on the memory and power capabilities of reservoir devices, and their applicability in an ever-increasing range of domains.* *In light of this, the aim of this special issue is to provide a unified platform for bringing forth and advancing the state-of-the-art in reservoir computing approaches. Researchers are invited to submit innovative works on the theory and implementation of this family of techniques, in order to provide an up-to-date overview on the field.* *Topics* *The topics of interest to be covered by this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:* *-Theoretical analyses on the computational power of reservoir computing.* *-Deep reservoir models.* *-Techniques for the automatic adaptation of the reservoir and the readout.* *-Supervised, unsupervised and semi-supervised training criteria.* *-Non-conventional substrates for the implementations of reservoirs.* *-Parallel and distributed algorithms for reservoir computing.* *-Comparisons between reservoir computing and standard (deep) neural networks.* *-Reservoir computing for reinforcement learning problems.* *-Fundamental links between reservoir computing and neuroscientific findings.* *-Investigation of reservoir dynamic in a phase space of reduced dimensionality.* *-Applicative papers in all areas (including robotics, industrial control, etc.) are welcome, as well as outstanding surveys on specific aspects of the field.* -- Dr John Butcher Neuroscience Research Associate School of Life Sciences Huxley Building Keele University UK ST5 5BG http://www.keele.ac.uk/lifesci/people/researchassistants/johnbutcher/

July 1, 2016

Postdoctoral Scholar in memory neuroscience using computational/modelling approach

by Sze Chai Kwok

Dear all, I am looking to employ a post-doc in memory neuroscience using computational/modelling approach <http://icn.ecnu.edu.cn/Data/View/1066>. Please spread the word to interested parties. Thank you. *Postdoctoral Scholar in **memory neuroscience**using computational/modelling approach * ** A postdoctoral position is available in the Laboratory of Attention and Memory (PI: Sze Chai Kwok) in the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai, China. Research will study the theoretical and neurobiological basis of episodic memory. Focus will be on the development of cognitive and/or biophysical network models using cross-species data from both human fMRI (with TMS) and ECoG, extra-cellular LFP / whole-cell recordings (combined with ire/reversible intervention) in awake monkeys performing analogous memory tasks using naturalistic stimuli such as videos. Candidates are expected to take advantage of the Lab’s unique experimental expertise in both humans and macaques. The Lab has active collaboration with groups in UCL, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, UCLA, and University of Oxford. Appointment is contingent upon completion of a PhD in computer science, mathematics, physics or other quantitative disciplines. Relevant research experience in modelling would be preferable. Salary is commensurate with experience. This postdoc appointment will run for initially a period of two years with a flexible starting date. Interested candidates should initiate informal inquiries and/or send a CV, a statement of research interests, representative first-author publications (in one single PDF), and references to: sk5899(a)nyu.edu <mailto:sk5899@nyu.edu>. Applications are accepted beginning now, and will continue until the position is filled. Sze Chai Kwok, DPhil Associate Professor at East China Normal University Associated faculty at NYU-Shanghai University (<http://shanghai.nyu.edu/research/brain/faculty/sze-chai-kwok>http://shanghai.nyu.edu/research/brain/faculty/sze-chai-kwok) -- ------------------------------ 5x1000 PER LA NOSTRA RICERCA SANITARIA <http://www.hsantalucia.it/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=999> la tua firma, il nostro codice fiscale: 97138260589 <http://www.hsantalucia.it/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=999> ------------------------------ Le informazioni contenute in questo messaggio sono riservate e destinate esclusivamente alla/e persona/e o all'ente sopra indicati. E' vietato ai soggetti diversi dai destinatari qualsiasi uso, copia e diffusione di quanto in esso contenuto sia ai sensi dell'art. 616 del codice penale che ai sensi della L. 196/03 (privacy). Se questo messaggio Vi e' pervenuto per errore, Vi preghiamo di non leggerlo, di distruggerlo e di comunicarci l'errore via e-mail o telefonando al numero +39 06515011. The information contained in this message is confidential and is intended for the exclusive use of the person(s) or company(s) above addessed. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you are expressly prohibited from using, copying and distributing this message or any part of it in accordance with art. 616 of the criminal code and the law 196/03 (privacy). If you receive this message please don't read it but destroy it and then inform us by e-mail or by phone - number +39 06515011.

July 1, 2016

PhD positions at the CTNSC-UniFe , Ferrara

by Emma Maggiolini

The Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication (CTNSC) at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) is looking for up to 4 highly motivated, full-time PhD students to work in the core research areas of the Center. The PhD student will work in Ferrara, in an international and multidisciplinary team including biomedical engineers, biologists, computer scientists, psychologists and medical doctors. The PhD positions will cover the following core areas of CTNSC. DEADLINE: 5TH AUGUST 2016 CTNSC Info [ITA/ENG]: https://www.iit.it/centers/ctnsc-unife PhD page [ITA/ENG]: http://www.unife.it/studenti/dottorato/concorsi/selection How to participate to the selection [ITA/ENG]:http://www.unife.it/studenti/dottorato/modulistica/concorsi/32-ciclo/neurosciences.pdf * Functional investigation of innovative neural interfaces Evidences show that using electrophysiological techniques is possible to extract information about brain processes and then translate these signals into commands that could be used to recover the lost capabilities. The purpose of the project is to investigate the in-vivo performance of novel devices - both in-house developed or obtained from collaborating laboratories - with a focus on i) enhanced capability to record neural signals; ii) large charge transfer capability to enhance the stimulation performance and iii) small size to minimize inflammatory reaction and gliosis. The candidate will be involved in the development of a stable and functional interface between living neural tissue and probes in rat model. Techniques: in-vivo single-unit recording and epicortical recording , histological techniques and image analysis, microscopy techniques and data analysis. Requirements: The candidate should have a background in one or more of the following fields: biology, medicine, pharmacology or related disciplines. Programming experience is appreciated but not mandatory. Familiarity with electrophysiological and/or microscopy techniques is of advantage. Contacts: Dr. Emma Maggiolini: emma.maggiolini(a)iit.it<mailto:emma.maggiolini@iit.it> Prof. Luciano Fadiga: luciano.fadiga(a)iit.it<mailto:luciano.fadiga@iit.it> * Animal neurophysiology investigation of sensorimotor functions The discovery of mirror and canonical neurons in monkey premotor and parietal cortex motivated a number of studies on how sensorimotor transformations in the brain may support understanding of action performed by conspecifics. This still constitute a fundamental area of research which is necessary to unravel the basic mechanisms of sensorimotor sharing during social interaction. The candidate working in this core area will investigate, in animal models, the neuronal activity of different (motor and somatosensory) cortical regions, pointing out their topographic organization as well as their role during observation, planning and execution of particular motor acts. Techniques: multidisciplinary approach involving behavioral testing, electrophysiological techniques (intracortical microstimulation, single-unit recording, field potentials recording, electromyography) and histological evaluations. Requirements: The candidate must have a background in the biological fields (biology, medicine, pharmacy and similar). At the end of the three-year period, the Ph.D. student will obtain deep knowledge and experience on in vivo neuroscience. Contacts: Dr. Riccardo Viaro: riccardo.viaro(a)iit.it<mailto:riccardo.viaro@iit.it> Prof. Luciano Fadiga: luciano.fadiga(a)iit.it<mailto:luciano.fadiga@iit.it> * Brain- and multimodal signal- based speech recognition Our approach to speech recognition is an "analysis by synthesis" approach which assumes that in order to recognize speech we need to understand the causal process (i.e., the speech production process) that stems from brain activity and, through coordinated movements of the vocal tract articulators, produces speech sounds. Such approach is largely motivated by work on speech perception carried out at CTNSC and serves two goals. The first goal is to build automatic speech recognition systems that, as humans do, work in very challenging scenarios (e.g., in the so called "cocktail party" scenario) and are able to learn how to recognize speech without relying on huge amount of carefully annotated speech data (as opposed to "data hungry" current recognition systems). The second goal is to recognize speech from one or more modalities that are within the speech production process, e.g., from brain signal or from visual and kinematic signals of the face and the vocal tract. Techniques: Machine learning, deep neural network, multimodal signal processing. Requirements: The successful candidate will have a degree in computer science bioengineering, physics or related disciplines. A background in machine learning and in speech and language processing. Contacts: Dr. Leonardo Badino: leonardo.badino(a)iit.it<mailto:leonardo.badino@iit.it> Prof. Luciano Fadiga: luciano.fadiga(a)iit.it<mailto:luciano.fadiga@iit.it> * Human Neurophysiology investigation of speech and communication abilities by means of micro-electrocorticography Historically, the study of speech processing has emphasized a strong link between auditory perceptual input and motor production output. The main aim of this area is to describe the neural systems involved in this sensorimotor representation linking speech perception and production. To this purpose, we use high-density surface microelectrodes for electrocorticography (micro-ECoG) to record electrical signals directly from the cortical surface in patients during awake surgery for low-grade glioma resection. Micro-ECoG is an important electrophysiological signal recording technique that combines high temporal resolution with good spatial localization. Techniques: Micro-ECoG, direct brain electrical stimulation, functional electrical mapping. Requirements: Applicants are expected to have a degree in biomedical engineering or basic/applied/health sciences. Requirements include a knowledge of neural signal processing and/or neuroimaging skills. Contact: Dr. Luciano Simone: luciano.simone(a)unife.it<mailto:luciano.simone@unife.it> Prof. Luciano Fadiga: luciano.fadiga(a)iit.it<mailto:luciano.fadiga@iit.it> * Human Neurophysiology investigation of speech and sensorimotor communication abilities by means of non-invasive techniques The neural mechanisms underlying speech and sensorimotor communication abilities, during real-life social encounters are mostly unknown. In the classic motor control frame of reference, individuals can be conceived as proactively building models of their action and of their sensory consequence. During interaction, these sensorimotor models can be extended to the social space whereby the control signal becomes the negotiated behavior of other people. The candidate will help in mapping the brain activities responsible for the emergence of such a shared behavior, in the domain of speech (phonological level) or action (upper arm movements). These experiments will inform the next generation of biologically inspired automatic communication recognition systems, essential to augment natural human-human coordination and promote the future of efficient human-robot interaction. Techniques: Electroencephalography (EEG), Electromyography (EMG), body motion kinematics (MoCap), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), transcranial Direct (tDCs) and Alternate (tACs) current stimulation. Requirements: The successful candidate will have a background in neuroscience, experimental psychology, computer science or engineering. Programming skills as well as a strong interest in cognitive neuroscience are fundamental. Electroencephalographic and kinematic data analyses skills are a plus. Contact: Dr. Alessandro D'Ausilio: alessandro.dausilio(a)iit.it<mailto:alessandro.dausilio@iit.it> Prof. Luciano Fadiga: luciano.fadiga(a)iit.it<mailto:luciano.fadiga@iit.it> [Description: cid:image001.jpg@01CC9EC9.BA36CB30] Emma Maggiolini, PhD IIT@unife, Center for Translational Neurophysiology Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy Tel. +39 0532 455983 SKYPE ID: lilmay75 e-mail: emma.maggiolini(a)iit.it<mailto:emma.maggiolini@iit.it> www.iit.it<http://www.iit.it/>

June 30, 2016

CNS2016 tutorial on detailed neuronal modelling

by Ben TN

On Saturday July 2 there is an exciting tutorial at the yearly CNS meeting titled: “Detailed modeling of structure and function at the cellular level”. This tutorial will be given by Dr. Ben Torben-Nielsen and Dr. Yann Le Franc. If you are at the CNS meeting, this is your chance to get expert insights into the wondrous world of dendrites and axons, their shape and dynamics emerging on them. The tutorial consists of two parts. In the morning session, Dr. Torben-Nielsen will cover the study of neuronal morphologies; why this is important and how we can study them through analysis and synthesis. In the afternoon session, Dr. Yann Le Franc will discuss the dynamics of ionic conductances. This session focusses on the basics of compartmental modelling and the existing neuroinformatics tools used to advance your workflow in dealing with design, implementation and analysis of detailed models. Both sessions will contain a hands on component. Please bring a laptop with Python/Scipy/Numpy/Matplotlib installed on it. For windows and mac users, we recommended Anaconda (https://www.continuum.io/why-anaconda) as it is an easy way to install all required Python packages. In the afternoon session, we will also use the NEURON simulator (https://www.neuron.yale.edu/neuron/) Please install this package as well with the Python extensions. We can provide guidelines on the installation of these packages during the breaks. Also, if you have structural data of neurons and do not know how to start to analyse them, please bring them along and we can help you out! Kind regards, Ben Dr. Ben Torben-Nielsen Senior Lecturer (Assistant professor) Biocomputation Group University of Hertfordshire, UK

June 30, 2016

CITEC Summer School 2016 on Adaptive Systems - CALL FOR PARTICIPATION

by elisabetta chicca

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CALL FOR PARTICIPATION *CITEC Summer School 2016 on Adaptive Systems* CITEC, Bielefeld University, Germany, 27th-30th of September 2016 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear young researchers, The CITEC Summer School 2016 is dedicated to the topic of Adaptive Systems: https://www.cit-ec.de/summerschool Adaptivity is the key for coping with tasks or environments whose properties cannot be completely known beforehand - a frequent characteristic of real world situations challenging artificial agents, real robots or biological organisms alike. We offer you an interdisciplary mesh of courses held by an interdisciplinary team of researchers from the Excellence Center Cognitive Interaction Technology to acquaint you with current ideas and research about adaptivity, its foundations, analysis and its synthesis in artificial systems. This year's topic is organized into four major thematic areas: (A) Adaptive Motion (B) Multimodal Learning and Social Interaction (C) Deep Approaches to Relevance Learning (D) Embodiment and Neuromorpic Learning Systems Most of the courses provide the opportunity for hands-on experience, involving experiments or data sets captured in CITEC research labs. You are asked to choose one out of this four. They are complemented by talks of leading invited and local experts. Invited speakers include: - *Ralph Etienne-Cummings**, *Johns Hopkins University, USA - *Kerstin Fischer**, *University of Southern Denmark - *Christian Igel*, University of Copenhagen, Denmark - *Andrew B. Schwartz*, University of Pittsburgh, USA Beyond the courses and the talks of the speakers, attendance will provide you with ample opportunities for discussions, exchange of ideas with your peers and the participating researchers, and for learning more about CITEC. The Summer School continues a series of highly successful CITEC Summer Schools started in 2010 and covering the topics of *The Structure of Cognitive Motion: From Analysis to Synthesis* (2010), *Mechanisms of Attention - From Experimental Studies to Technical Systems* (2011), *Verbal and Non-verbal Interaction: From Experiments to Implementation (*2012), and *Continuous Learning in Living and Artificial Systems* (2013) so far. To apply visit https://www.cit-ec.de/summerschool/application and indicate your area of choice from the above area list (A)-(D). Applications will be open at least until July 29th. For more information, visit http://www.cit-ec.de/summerschool Contact us for questions: summerschool(a)cit-ec.uni-bielefeld.de

June 30, 2016

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE AT BROWN UNIVERSITY

by Wilson Truccolo

Applications for an NIH-funded post-doctoral position are invited for the Laboratory of Dr. Wilson Truccolo in the Department of Neuroscience at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. The positions are for the development of data-driven stochastic models of multiscale neural dynamics in human epilepsy. Data consist of simultaneous intracortical microelectrode array recordings of ensembles of single neurons and local field potentials, as well as ECoGs, during seizure and non-seizure states in individuals with pharmacologically resistant epilepsy. The project involves a collaboration between the labs of Dr. Truccolo and Dr. Sydney Cash (Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in computational/theoretical neuroscience, modeling of stochastic neural dynamics and experiments involving closed-loop electrical stimulation. Related recent publications can be found on the Truccolo lab website ( http://www.truccololab.com/ <http://dl.dropbox.com/u/983891/Truccolo_home.htm>). Inquiries should be addressed to Dr. Truccolo (wilson_truccolo(a)brown.edu) Applications including a CV, statement of research interests, and the names and full contact details of three referees should be sent to wilson_truccolo(a)brown.edu. -- Wilson Truccolo, Ph.D. Pablo J. Salame '88 Goldman Sachs Assistant Professor of Computational Neuroscience Department of Neuroscience & Institute for Brain Science, Brown University Lab website: http://www.truccololab.com/

June 28, 2016

Postdoctoral position in graph signal processing for monitoring spatio-temporal dynamics of brain activity

by Nicolas Farrugia

Postdoctoral position in graph signal processing for monitoring spatio-temporal dynamics of brain activity Telecom Bretagne, Brest, France P.I. : Dr. Vincent Gripon Context The present proposal is funded by the Neural Communication project, which is part of the Labex CominLabs. This project started in November 2015 for a duration of two years as a continuation of the Neural Coding project, also founded by the Labex CominLabs from November 2012 to October 2015. The main goal of the project is to propose models for communications between cortical areas in the brain and to develop novel methodologies for identifying spatio-temporal patterns in brain activity. The project takes advantage of the expertise of two internationnaly renowned teams. The first one is led by Fabrice Wendling, director of research at LTSI in Rennes, and aims at proposing innovative methods for extracting connectivity graphs from EEG signals. The second one (host team) is led by Claude Berrou, professor at Télécom bretagne, and aims at proposing novel models for information processing in neural networks. The host team is also active in the new field of graph signal processing. The host team is composed of three permanent researchers as well as two postdocs and six PhD students. The proposed postdoctoral position is meant to take place in Télécom Bretagne, in Brest. The candidate is expected to work in collaboration with people involved in the ERC project Neucod led by Claude Berrou. Proposal It is now well-known that brain activity is structurally organised into functionally connected networks. Using functional MRI on subjects at rest, resting state networks can be defined as sets of spatially distinct brain areas with temporally correlated activity. While having been extensively studied over long time periods (e.g. 6 minutes), such networks are now investigated using dynamic analysis with a temporal resolution of a few dozens of seconds. Other works are interested in applying similar methodologies to monitoring the dynamics when performing cognitive tasks, as it has been shown that task-related functional networks are spatially similar to resting-state networks. Recently, a novel framework has been developed that aim at exploiting graphical structures of the underlying topology the signals are projected onto, called graph signal processing. As a result, it is possible to define ad hoc harmonic operators including convolutions and wavelets. A major advantage of this approach is the ability to detect similar patterns in distinct regions of the network, despite the inhomogeneity of the network topology. We are interested in applying graph signal processing to brain imaging to study special temporal dynamics, both in the resting state and task-related networks using EEG and fMRI. Details The head of the project is Vincent Gripon, permanent researcher with Télécom Bretagne. Please send your curriculum vitae, contacts for two references, as well as a cover letter to vincent.gripon(a)telecom-bretagne.eu. Expected disposable salary is about 30k{\euro} per year, depending on experience. The position starts in September 2016 (or sooner) and finishes in November 2017. The postdoc position is accompanied with overheads for travel expenses covering the participation to international conferences. The candidate must have defended a Ph.D. related to neuroscience, neuroimaging and familiar with signal processing. Programming skills are essential to this position. The deadline for applying to the position is July 17th.

June 28, 2016

EEG and Brain Stimulation Postdoctoral Position in Frohlich Lab at UNC-Chapel Hill

by Sankar Alagapan

We are seeking to fill one postdoctoral position in the Frohlich Lab with a candidate who has a proven track record of EEG data analysis. *About this position*: We are collecting high-density EEG from multiple clinical trials in which we evaluate the effect of non-invasive brain stimulation on brain network dynamics and behavior. We are looking for a passionate scientist who is interested in taking charge of the data analysis (EEG, cognitive tasks, clinical scales) to validate network targets for brain stimulation in psychiatry and more broadly the network-level dysfunction of psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. The applicant will be embedded in a vibrant research group of around 20 scientists and will receive (as needed and desired) training in transcranial current stimulation, network neuroscience, and clinical research. The position will include working closely with the study coordinators who run the clinical trials. *About the Frohlich Lab*: We seek to revolutionize the fields of psychiatry and neurology by studying brain network dynamics and applying our discoveries to the rational design of novel brain stimulation treatments. Our research integrates neurobiology, engineering, and medicine to identify, engage, and validate network targets for brain stimulation. We (1) perform computer modeling, (2) combine electrophysiology, imaging, brain stimulation, and behavioral assays in animal models, (3) record and modulate human brain activity, and (4) study new treatments in randomized controlled clinical trials. This position is aligned with items (3) and (4) of our mission. *About UNC at Chapel Hill*: We are a vibrant and nationally top-rated research institution with a strong track record in (translational) neuroscience. UNC has been repeatedly ranked as one of the best places to do a postdoc. Quality of life is very high, cost of living is low. *About the successful candidate*: You have a PhD in neuroscience (or a related discipline) and a track record of first class science demonstrated by first author peer-reviewed scientific articles. Strong background and experience with human EEG data analysis and Matlab is required. Experience in source localization and functional connectivity analysis using EEG will be advantageous. Experience with clinical trials or working with patient populations is a plus. Please send your CV and a brief statement of research interest toflavio_frohlich(a)med.unc.edu. Also, please have two letters of recommendation directly submitted to the same email address. Note: Please only submit an application if your background matches the required expertise for this position. We are looking forward to meeting passionate and hard-working applicants who are ready for this cutting-edge project and for joining the Frohlich Lab family. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Start date is flexible but the earlier the better. UNC is an equal opportunity employer.

June 28, 2016

Call for Participation (ICDL-EPIROB 2016): WS on Development of Body Representations

by Matej Hoffmann

*Call for papers: Interdisciplinary workshop on the development of body knowledge in humans and machines* 19^th September 2016, Cergy-Pontoise / Paris http://bodyschemaworkshop.blogspot.it <http://bodyschemaworkshop.blogspot.it/> held in the framework of ICDL-EPIROB 2016 conference: http://www.etis.ensea.fr/neurocyber/ICDL-EPIROB2016/home.php Following the previous workshops on the development of body representations in humans and robots at ICDL-EPIROB, we have the pleasure to announce a forthcoming workshop in Cergy-Pontoise / Paris on the 19^th September 2016. The aim of this workshop is to spark collaboration between roboticists and developmental psychologists in order to address the origins of the sensorimotor maps that underlie own body representations in both infants and robots. The development of infants’ body knowledge is a primary object of discovery starting before birth. This construction ultimately enables the infant to efficiently interact with the environment. The specific goal of the organizers is to explore the possibility of developing robotic models inspired by the development of human infant body representations. Presentations will consider body knowledge acquisition from sensorimotor, neural and computational perspectives. After the presentations, the discussion will aim at establishing an integrative framework for understanding a) the development of body knowledge in infants, b) the mechanisms that underlie body knowledge acquisition and c) how robots can be used to replicate developmental patterns and progressions that have been found in human infants. On the one hand such robots can become new modeling tools for empirical sciences – expanding the domain of computational modeling by anchoring it to the physical environment and a physical body. On the other hand, robot controllers endowed with multimodal whole-body awareness typical of humans should increase robots’ autonomy. ___________________________________________________________________________ We invite contributions concerning the development of body knowledge in humans and/or machines. Please submit a one-page abstract describing your poster by *the 5th of August 2016* to the following address: *icdlbodyworkshop(a)gmail.com* Presenters of a poster will be expected to be present on the 19th of September 2016 for a teasers-session and for the poster session. During the teasers-session each presenter will introduce their poster in a 2-minute oral presentation (with 2-3 pdf slides). During the poster session they will then have the opportunity to explain their poster and to hand out any leaflets or other information materials they have available for viewers of their poster. *___________________________________________________________________________* *Important dates * Abstract submission: August 5, 2016. Notification of acceptance: August 15, 2016. Submission of 2-3 slides (pdf): September 15, 2016. Workshop day: September 19, 2016. ___________________________________________________________________________ *Speakers* * Prof. Jeffrey Lockman, PhD. Department of Psychology, Tulane University, USA. * Kevin O’Regan, PhD. Research scientist, Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France. * Matej Hoffmann, PhD. Researcher, iCub Facility, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Italy. * Prof. Minoru Asada, PhD. Research director, Division of Cognitive Neuroscience Robotics, Institute for Academic Initiatives, Osaka University, Japan. * Andrew Bremner, PhD. Reader in psychology and head of department, Goldsmiths University, London, UK. * Gianluca Baldassare, PhD. Researcher, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy.** *____________________________________________ * ** *Venue* Cergy-Pontoise University: http://www.etis.ensea.fr/neurocyber/ICDL-EPIROB2016/home.php ___________________________________________________________________________ *Website* Please check the website <http://bodyschemaworkshop.blogspot.fr/>http://bodyschemaworkshop.blogspot.fr/for updated information about the workshop! ___________________________________________________________________________ *Organizers* Eszter Somogyi, PhD Postdoc researcher, Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Paris Descartes University, France Matej Hoffmann <https://sites.google.com/site/matejhof/home>, PhD Researcher, iCub Facility, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Italy Lorenzo Jamone <http://lorejam.blogspot.pt/>, PhD Associate researcher, VisLab, Instituto de Sistemas e Robotica, Lisbon, Portugal ___________________________________________________________________________ *Contact information* Eszter Somogyi, PhD Postdoc researcher, Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Paris Descartes University, France esomogyi(a)gmail.com <mailto:esomogyi@gmail.com> -- Matej Hoffmann, PhD Postdoctoral Researcher iCub Facility Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Via Morego, 30 16163 Genoa, Italy https://sites.google.com/site/matejhof/home

June 28, 2016

Computational Modeling of Autism: Roche Internship, Basel Switzerland

by Christopher Chatham

Please see below for information about a 9 month internship in Basel, Switzerland, in statistical and computational modeling of ASD. The internship should start before October 2016. Please forward to any PhD students who may be interested in this opportunity. About the position: This position will be based in the Biomarkers and Clinical Imaging Group of the Neuroscience Translational Medicine Section of Roche in Basel, Switzerland. The Biomarkers and Clinical Imaging Group uses cutting edge genetic, molecular, neurophysiological, imaging (PET and MRI), electrophysiology and cognitive methodologies to understand diseases and support drug development efforts in the neuroscience field. The Translational Medicine group oversees the discovery, research and development of novel treatments for diseases in neurological, psychiatric and neurodevelopmental fields. The RiSE program (Roche Internships for Scientific Exchange) offers the most talented postgraduate students the opportunity to enhance their competencies and to gain valuable work experience with us. During the internship your tasks will include: - Statistical analyses of behavioral data from ASD patients - Mathematical modelling of normative behavioral data - Participating in an international workgroup to develop estimates of clinically meaningful change on a clinical symptom rating scale - Attending talks sponsored by groups across the company and Biomarker group meetings - Building your professional network across the company Apply here: http://www.roche.com/careers/jobs/jobsearch/job.htm?id=E-3233464408&locale=…

June 28, 2016

Post Graduate School "Cognitive Computing in Socio-Technical Systems" of Ulm University and University of Applied Sciences Ulm

by Friedhelm Schwenker

Post Graduate School "Cognitive Computing in Socio-Technical Systems" of Ulm University and University of Applied Sciences Ulm In 2016 Ulm University and the University of Applied Sciences Ulm award *12 scholarships to highly-qualified scientific talents* for preparing the doctoral degree in accordance with the Landesgraduiertenförderungsgesetz (LGFG). Scholarships will be granted for 12 doctoral projects for initially one year, starting – if possible – on 1st October 2016. There will be the option of a two-year extension (i.e. standard funding term is 3 years). The 12 doctoral projects aim at tightly linking the fundamental pillars of cognitive computing, i.e., (i) perception, (ii) planning & reasoning, (iii) learning, and (iv) interaction. Applications include service robotics, Industry 4.0, logistics, and adaptive process management systems. A scholarship can be granted provided that the following conditions are met: * an outstanding qualification, * acceptance as a doctoral candidate in the respective department of Ulm University, and * scientific support by a professor of Ulm University / University of Applied Sciences Ulm. Please submit your application *no later than 1st August 2016*. You may send it, together with the required attachments (e.g., certificates), as PDF file to Prof. Manfred Reichert (email: manfred.reichert(at)uni-ulm.de). Please use the application template provided on our website (see below). As subject of the email use "Application KPK Cognitive Systems". Alternatively, you may send your application to the following postal address: Prof. Dr. Manfred Reichert Universität Ulm, Institut für Datenbanken und Informationssysteme D-89069 Ulm, Germany On your cover letter please write code number 68, KPK "Cognitive Computing" as well as the supervisors of the projects you are interested in. You may find additional Information and the application template on the following website: * http://www.uni-ulm.de/KPK_Cognitive_Computing * http://www.hs-ulm.de/KPK_Cognitive_Computing -- PD Dr. Friedhelm Schwenker University of Ulm Institute of Neural Information Processing D-89069 Ulm, Germany phone: +49-731-50-24159 fax: +49-731-50-24156 email: friedhelm.schwenker(a)uni-ulm.de www: http://www.uni-ulm.de/in/neuroinformatik/mitarbeiter/f-schwenker.html

June 28, 2016

Burst coding: extended deadline

by Zeldenrust, Fleur

Dear colleagues, Recently, you received a call for participation in the Frontiers Research Topic on Burst coding (see below). Due to FENS and the summer vacations, several authors asked us to extend the deadline. Therefore, the deadline for articles is now extended to: October 1st 2016. With kind regards, Fleur Zeldenrust Bernhard Englitz Wytse Wadman ________________________________ 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

June 28, 2016

PhD position at HU Berlin available

by Benjamin Lindner

We are looking for a PhD candidate in Computational Neuroscience with a strong background in theoretical physics, specifically in stochastic processes, to work on effective descriptions of temporal and spatial correlations in recurrent networks of spiking neurons. Funding is provided for three years, starting October 2016, through the international research training group IRTG 1740 "Dynamical Phenomena in Complex Networks: Fundamentals and Applications". Part of this program is a (minimum six month) stay in the lab of our collaborator in Brazil, Prof. Roque (FFCLRP, Universidade de Sao Paulo). For details on the doctoral examination process at the Physics Department of Humboldt University Berlin, see https://fakultaeten.hu-berlin.de/en/mnf/wisskar/promotionen/index_html?set_…. Please, send your application until July 31, 2016 to Nikola Schrenk (nikola.schrenk(a)bccn-berlin.de) and to me (benjamin.lindner(a)physik.hu-berlin.de) -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Benjamin Lindner Theory of Complex Systems and Neurophysics Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin Philippstr. 13, Haus 2, 10115 Berlin Room: 1.17, phone: 0049(0)302093 6336 Department of Physics Humboldt University Berlin Newtonstr. 15 12489 Berlin Room: 3.408, phone: 0049(0)302093 7934 http://people.physik.hu-berlin.de/~lindner/index.html --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 27, 2016

Postdoc position in cognitive and neural modeling (Angela Yu)

by Angela J. Yu

Applications are invited from highly motivated researchers for a postdoctoral position immediately available in the Computational & Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, led by Angela Yu, at University of California, San Diego. Initial appointment is one-two years, with flexible start date and opportunity for renewal. Anticipated research direction is rather flexible, generally involving developing a decision-theoretical framework for the inter-related problems of perceptual decision-making, active sensing, active learning, interactions between affective and cognitive processing, and social cognition. Candidates must have a strong mathematical and modeling background in Bayesian statistics, Markov decision process, and general machine learning methods. Experience with measure-theoretic probability theory, stochastic processes, stochastic control theory (stopping problems, bandit problems, sequential decision problems), and/or dynamical systems analysis is also desirable. Applicants should be committed to applying rigorous mathematical tools to modeling cognitive and neural processes. Experience or interest in carrying out human behavioral experiments (either in person or on Amazon M-Turk) and/or collaborating with other human/animal neuroscience laboratories is also desirable. Dr. Yu's lab is situated within the Cognitive Science department of UCSD, and affiliated with the Computer Science Department, Neurosciences Graduate Program, and the Institute of Neural Computation. There are ample opportunities for collaborations with related groups across the UCSD main campus, the medical school, and the Salk Institute. Interested candidates should send a research statement, along with a CV including publications, to Dr. Angela Yu (ajyu(a)ucsd.edu <mailto:ajyu@ucsd.edu>). Two or more letters of references should be sent directly to the same address. ------------------------------------- Angela J. Yu Associate Professor UCSD Cognitive Science www.cogsci.ucsd.edu/~ajyu -------------------------------------

June 27, 2016

PhD position in Deep Neural Learning for Computer Vision - Naples, Italy

by Alfredo Petrosino

A fully funded 3-year PhD position is available at CVPRLab (cvprlab.uniparthenope.it) of the department of Science and Technology at the University of Naples Parthenope, Italy, on topics related to neural and machine learning and scene understanding. The aim is to work about new models of deep neural architectures with biological plausability capable of human-like learning, including learning from scratch and spatio temporal analysis. Applications include autonomous systems, active vision, and elderly assisted living, also through mobile devices and jointly with highly specialised industries. Eligibility requirements include: - Master of Science degree with academic excellence, i.e. normally an Honours Degree; - Strong experience in machine learning and basics of computer vision, as well as good mathematical and programming skills (either C/C++ or MATLAB). The net salary is nearly 1.300,00 euros per month. For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see Advert link: http://www.unimi.it/cataloghi/dottorati_borse_premi/Bando_DOTTORATI_XXXII_c… Forms link: http://www.unimi.it/cataloghi/dottorati_borse_premi/Allegati%20bando%20gene… The deadline for applications is 1pm, 6 July 2016. Further information are given by sending an email to petrosino(a)uniparthenope.it Alfredo Petrosino, University of Naples Parthenope ****************************************************************************** IL MERITO DEGLI STUDENTI VIENE RICONOSCIUTO Il 5 per mille all'Universita' degli Studi di Napoli "Parthenope" incrementa le borse di studio agli studenti - codice fiscale 80018240632 http://www.uniparthenope.it/index.php/it/5-per-mille Questa informativa e' inserita in automatico dal sistema al fine esclusivo della realizzazione dei fini istituzionali dell'ente.

June 25, 2016

Computational Neuroscience Postdoctoral Positions at Sandia National Laboratories

by Chance, Frances S.

(Apologies in advance for any cross-posting) Colleagues, We are seeking computational neuroscientists to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on understanding neural computation at the circuit level. Example research topics of interest include computational models of retina, visual cortex (or the neural circuitry underlying perception), and the hippocampus. Candidates should have a strong background in neuroscience, and an interest in understanding of relations between neuroscience, cognitive science, and computation. Our department is part of a highly interdisciplinary community of researchers with interests spanning systems neuroscience and brain-inspired computing, engineering, and computer science. Successful applicants will be expected to conduct high-quality research, maintain a successful publication record in peer-reviewed journals, and develop collaborations with this vibrant and growing community. This position is located at Sandia's Albuquerque, NM, USA site. Required 1. A Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related field. 2. Experience with neuroscience research methods and data analysis. 3. Strong publication record. 4. Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills. 5. Demonstrated ability to contribute to multidisciplinary teams. 6. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy security clearance. Desired At least some of the following qualifications are preferred: 1. Demonstrated abilities in mathematical and computational modeling of neural or cognitive function. 2. Previous research experience in a sensory system. 3. Experience with biologically-inspired machine learning algorithms. 4. Experience developing in at least one C-derived programming language (C, C++, C#, Java, etc.), or with a neural simulator (NEURON, PyNN, NEST, etc). 5. Laboratory experience in any of: electrophysiology, neural imaging, connectomics, pharmacological manipulations combined with measurement of neural activity. Submissions: Apply online at http://www.sandia.gov/careers/index.html - select "View All Jobs", and search for 653748 in the keywords box. Please include a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae. For questions or information, please contact Frances Chance (fschanc(a)sandia.gov<mailto:fschanc@sandia.gov>) or Brad Aimone (jbaimon(a)sandia.gov) Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but to ensure full consideration please submit by August 31, 2016. Sandia National Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

June 24, 2016