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BRAIN-FETs 2014: 1st Clustering Workshop on Future Emerging NeuroTechnologies, 16-17 Oct 2014, Genova (Italy)

by Giugliano Michele

APOLOGIES FOR CROSS-POSTING Dear Colleagues, Michele Giugliano (U Antwerpen) and Luca Berdondini (Italian Institute of Technology) are organising the 1st Clustering Workshop on Future Emerging NeuroTechnologies<http://www.brainfet.eu>, to be held on 16th-17th October 2014, in Genova (Italy)<http://www.brainfet.eu/travel-info/venue.html>. This workshop aims at clustering a relatively small subset of the European FET community, particularly active on Brain inspired ICT, Neurotechnologies, novel materials, and computational approaches. It is a unique opportunity to learn about ongoing research and to critically contribute in designing next steps in FETs, successfully facing the many challenges that await. The cluster of EC-funded projects who organize the event (see the workshop flyer<http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/cf/dae/document.cfm?doc_id…> for the list), is characterized by common efforts, integrating innovative developments on future emerging technologies applied to Neuroscience, and qualified by a synergy among diverse experimental, computational, and engineering approaches. The format of the workshop consists in a two-days event and in a networking evening. Participants from EC-funded Projects are welcome to present their research in a poster session and to meet colleagues with a heterogeneous background and from all over Europe. Interested? Register as soon as possible by filling and submitting the online application form<http://www.brainfet.eu/registration.html>. Admission will be limited to the first 150 participants. The conference registration fee, covering coffee breaks, lunches and the social dinner is: 100 EUR/person. Thanks for your attention, -- Michele Giugliano, PhD Dept. of Biomedical Sciences University of Antwerp Campus Drie Eiken (CDE) - D.T.657 Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk (Belgium) url: http://www.ua.ac.be/michele.giugliano

Sept. 1, 2014

Postdoctoral position studying neurovascular coupling

by Patrick Drew

A postdoctoral fellowship studying the neural circuits involved in neurovascular coupling is available in the laboratory of Patrick Drew. We are looking for an independent, highly motivated scientist to use a combination of optical (two-photon microscopy and intrinsic imaging), optogenetic, and electrophysiological techniques to study neurovascular coupling in awake, behaving mice. The successful applicant will have Ph.D. in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, physiology or a related field, and at least one first author publication. The candidate should have excellent English communication skills, experience with in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics and/or optical imaging techniques. Strong data analysis and quantitative skills are required. The position is for one year, with possibility of extension up to two additional years contingent on funding. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and will be accepted until the position is filled. Apply to job #52876 at http://apptrkr.com/504686 More information about the lab can be found at - http://www.esm.psu.edu/~patrick/Drew_Lab/Drew_Lab.html. Applications must be submitted electronically and include a statement of research interests, CV and contact details of three letters of reference to Dr. Patrick Drew: pjd17(a)psu.edu _________________________________ Patrick J. Drew Assistant Professor Center for Neural Engineering Dept. Engineering Science and Mechanics & Dept. Neurosurgery The Pennsylvania State University W-317 Millennium Science Complex University Park, PA 16802 (814) 863-1473 http://www.esm.psu.edu/~patrick/Drew_Lab/

Sept. 1, 2014

Call for Papers - Neural Networks special issue on Big Data

by Asim Roy

Apologies for cross posting. Special Issue on Neural Network Learning in Big Data [Special Issue on Neural Network Learning in Big Data] Neural Networks Special Issue: Neural Network Learning in Big Data Big data is much more than storage of and access to data. Analytics plays an important role in making sense of that data and exploiting its value. But learning from big data has become a significant challenge and requires development of new types of algorithms. Most machine learning algorithms encounter theoretical challenges in scaling up to big data. Plus there are challenges of high dimensionality, velocity and variety for all types of machine learning algorithms. The neural network field has historically focused on algorithms that learn in an online, incremental mode without requiring in-memory access to huge amounts of data. The brain is arguably the best and most elegant big data processor and is the inspiration for neural network learning methods. Neural network type of learning is not only ideal for streaming data (as in the Industrial Internet or the Internet of Things), but could also be used for stored big data. For stored big data, neural network algorithms can learn from all of the data instead of from samples of the data. And the same is true for streaming data where not all of the data is actually stored. In general, online, incremental learning algorithms are less vulnerable to size of the data. Neural network algorithms, in particular, can take advantage of massively parallel (brain-like) computations, which use very simple processors, that other machine learning technologies cannot. Specialized neuromorphic hardware, originally meant for large-scale brain simulations, is becoming available to implement these algorithms in a massively parallel fashion. Neural network algorithms, therefore, can deliver very fast and efficient real-time learning through the use of hardware and this could be particularly useful for streaming data in the Industrial Internet. Neural network technologies thus can become significant components of big data analytics platforms and this special issue will begin that journey with big data. For this special issue of Neural Networks, we invite papers that address many of the challenges of learning from big data. In particular, we are interested in papers on efficient and innovative algorithmic approaches to analyzing big data (e.g. deep networks, nature-inspired and brain-inspired algorithms), implementations on different computing platforms (e.g. neuromorphic, GPUs, clouds, clusters) and applications of online learning to solve real-world big data problems (e.g. health care, transportation, and electric power and energy management). RECOMMENDED TOPICS: Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: 1. Autonomous, online, incremental learning - theory, algorithms and applications in big data 2. High dimensional data, feature selection, feature transformation - theory, algorithms and applications for big data 3. Scalable neural network algorithms for big data 4. Neural network learning algorithms for high-velocity streaming data 5. Deep neural network learning 6. Neuromorphic hardware for scalable neural network learning 7. Big data analytics using neural networks in healthcare/medical applications 8. Big data analytics using neural networks in electric power and energy systems 9. Big data analytics using neural networks in large sensor networks 10.Big data and neural network learning in computational biology and bioinformatics SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: Prospective authors should visit http://ees.elsevier.com/neunet/ for information on paper submission. During the submission process, there will be steps to designate the submission to this special issue. However, please indicate on the first page of the manuscript that the manuscript is intended for the Special Issue: Neural Network Learning in Big Data. Manuscripts will be peer reviewed according to Neural Networks guidelines. Manuscript submission due: December 15, 2014 First review completed: March 1, 2015 Revised manuscript due: April 1, 2015 Second review completed, final decisions to authors: April 15, 2015 Final manuscript due: April 30, 2015 GUEST EDITORS: Asim Roy, Arizona State University, USA (asim.roy(a)asu.edu<mailto:asim.roy@asu.edu>) (lead guest editor) Kumar Venayagamoorthy, Clemson University, USA (gkumar(a)ieee.org<mailto:gvenaya@clemson.edu>) Nikola Kasabov, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand (nkasabov(a)aut.ac.nz<mailto:nkasabov@aut.ac.nz>) Irwin King, Chinese University of Hong Kong, China (irwinking(a)gmail.com<mailto:irwinking@gmail.com>)

Sept. 1, 2014

PhD top-ups and full scholarships in Computational Neuroscience of Alertness

by Svetlana Postnova

*PhD top-ups and full scholarships in Computational Neuroscience of Alertness* Multiple PhD opportunities are available at the University of Sydney node of the Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety, and Productivity. *Supervisors: *Dr Svetlana Postnova, Dr Jong Won Kim*, *Prof. Peter Robinson. For the group website see http://sydney.edu.au/science/physics/research/complex-systems/brain-dynamic… *Projects* We focus on understanding the biological system controlling alertness and on developing quantitative models and tools to predict alertness in variety of situations and develop interventions to improve it. All projects involve quantitative modelling on the level of interacting brain nuclei and neurotransmitter systems with the effects manifested on the behavioural level. Project 1: Effects of light wavelength on the circadian system and alertness. Project 2: Individual variability in sleep-wake dynamics and vulnerability to shiftwork. Project 3: Real-time prediction of alertness using data fusion and modelling techniques. These opportunities are affiliated with the Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness Safety and Productivity which involves modellers, experimentalists, and industry partners from universities and industries across Australia and worldwide. Successful candidates will be located at the School of Physics of the University of Sydney and collaborating with sleep and chronobiology experimentalists across the University of Sydney, Monash University, and Harvard. All PhD projects provide an opportunity for up to 6 months placements with industrial partners. *Process and deadlines* For questions and to apply send an e-mail with CV to Dr Svetlana Postnova ( postnova(a)physics.usyd.edu.au) Full stipends ($25,392) from the Alertness CRC Ltd are available. High achieving applicants will be encouraged to apply for the prestigious APA/UPA (Australian) or IPRS/USYDIS (international) postgraduate scholarships. Successful candidates will be provided with additional top-up scholarships of $5000-$10.000 per year depending on merit. Applications for Alertness CRC Ltd stipends will be considered until the positions are filled. Applications for APA/UPA national scholarships close on the *31st of October 2014* to start in January 2015*. * http://sydney.edu.au/scholarships/research/postgraduate_awards.shtml#APAUPA Applications for IPRS/USYDIS international scholarships close on the *15th of December 2014 * to start in July 2015*.* http://sydney.edu.au/scholarships/prospective/international_postgraduate_sc… Best wishes Sveta -- Dr Svetlana Postnova CRC for Alertness Safety and Productivity & Complex Systems Group School of Physics, University of Sydney Physics Annex, A29, NSW 2006, Australia Phone: +61 2 9036 7971

Sept. 1, 2014

Donders Discussions 2014: by PhDs, for PhDs

by Charl

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the Donders Discussions 2014, a two-day conference for PhD students in neuroscience and cognition. This year, the conference will take place on Oct 30th and 31st in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. The aim of the Donders Discussions is to bring PhD students together in an informal, interdisciplinary atmosphere. Last year we welcomed more than 160 participants from 14 countries. We invite you to join us and make this year's edition an even bigger success! Our exciting programme features many interesting topics including visual perception, fear regulation, social neuroscience, and predictive coding among others. We also offer interactive workshops on networking and visibility, statistics issues in neuroimaging, and the art of presenting science. We warmly invite all participants to submit a poster abstract. The deadline is September 15, but registration may close earlier if the maximum number of participants has been reached. For more information on the programme and registration, please visit our website: http://www.ru.nl/dondersdiscussions. The registration fee is 50 euro. We look forward to seeing you in Nijmegen! The Donders Discussions Organizing Committee 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE AT BROWN UNIVERSITY

by Wilson Truccolo

POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE AT BROWN UNIVERSITY: Applications for NIH-funded post-doctoral positions 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 and biophysical 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 intractable 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 and stochastic modeling of neural dynamics. Related recent publications can be found on the Truccolo lab website ( 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 Institute for Brain Science and Department of Neuroscience, Brown University S.E. Frank Hall, 185 Meeting Street, Office 552 Providence – RI – 02912

Aug. 31, 2014

Two Postdoctoral Positions in Computational Modeling of Primate Motor Control

by Ilya Rybak

=============== Two postdoctoral/research associate positions in computational neuroscience for the duration of up to three years are available in the externally funded project focusing on multiscale computational modeling of motor control mechanisms, involving interactions between basal ganglia, thalamus, cerebellum, cortex, and spinal cord in connection with realistic simulation of pathological changes in motor control during Huntington’s disease. This collaborative project is performed jointly by the groups of Drs. Ilya Rybak (Dept. of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA) and Yaroslav Molkov (Dept. of Mathematical Science, Indiana University – Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA). Applicants must have a PhD degree in Neuroscience, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline and have excellent C++ programming skills. Previous experience in computational neuronal modeling is a plus. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Rybak (rybak(a)drexel.edu) or Dr. Molkov (ymolkov(a)iupui.edu) by email. To apply, please send an email along with (1) curriculum vitae; (2) a cover letter describing previous research experience and interests; (3) the names and contact information of three references. ================================= Ilya A. Rybak, Ph.D. Professor Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy Drexel University College of Medicine 2900 Queen Lane Philadelphia, PA 19129 USA Tel.: (215) 991-8596 FAX: (215) 843-9082 E-mail: rybak(a)drexel.edu http://neurobio.drexelmed.edu/rybakweb/rybak.html http://www.drexelmed.edu/Home/AboutOurFaculty/IlyaARybak.aspx https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ilya_Rybak/publications/ http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=SnA068QAAAAJ http://www.pubfacts.com/author/Ilya+A+Rybak Yaroslav Molkov, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis Department of Mathematical Sciences 402 N. Blackford St, LD 270, Indianapolis, IN 46202 Office: LD 224U Phone: (317) 274-6934 Fax: (317) 274-3460 Email: ymolkov(a)iupui.edu

Aug. 31, 2014

Post-Doctoral Position; Indianapolis, USA – Paris, France

by Alexey Kuznetsov

Post-Doctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience; Indianapolis, USA – Paris, France A post-doctoral position is available for a USA-France collaborative project on the influence of alcohol on the central dopamine system. The project combines computational and experimental techniques. The post-doc will design a biophysical model of the brain circuitry affected by alcohol. The position is available immediately, September 2014, for up to three years. The time will be divided between two institutions: Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, USA, and École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France. In Indianapolis, the post-doc will work with Prof. Kuznetsov (Mathematics Dept.) and Prof. Lapish (Psycology Dept.). In Paris, he or she will work with Prof. Gutkin (Group of Neural Theory, ENS) and Prof. Mamelli (Institut du Fer a Moulin, INSERM). Both locations provide an excellent environment for collaborative research in quantitative biosciences. Applicants should have a Ph.D in Mathematics, Physics, or a related field, a background in Dynamical Systems, programming skills and working experience in Computational Neuroscience. An experience with stochastic processes is also a plus. To apply, please send your CV, list of publications, research statement, and contact information for three references to Prof. Alexey Kuznetsov via e-mail: askuznet(a)iupui.edu, or by regular mail: 402 N. Blackford Street, LD 270, Indianapolis, IN 46202. IUPUI is an EEO/AA Employer, M/F/D. -- Alexey Kuznetsov Associate Professor Dept. of Mathematical Sciences, IUPUI Science Building, LD 270, 402 N. Blackford St., Indianapolis, IN

Aug. 30, 2014

PhD position in Visual Psychophysics at the Institute of Vision in Paris, France

by Angelo ARLEO

One fully-funded PhD position in Visual Psychophysics at the Institute of Vision in Paris, France Job description Applications are invited for one PhD position in the Aging in Vision and Action laboratory at the Institute of Vision (INSERM-CNRS-University Pierre & Marie Curie) Paris, France. The gradual impairment of vision-dependent functions in the elderly is at the core of the research carried out in the Aging in Vision and Action laboratory. The main goal is to characterize how healthy aging shapes perceptual and cognitive aspects of vision. This PhD project will focus on the impact of healthy aging on low-level visual perception and visual processing functions. Requirements Applicants’ background should be in cognitive neuroscience/psychology. Previous experience with visual psychophysics, eye-movement analysis, visual space perception, or aging is welcome. Computer programming skills are also a plus. Proficiency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is not mandatory. Successful candidates are expected to work in an interdisciplinary environment with collaborations with biologists, theoreticians and clinicians. They will be awarded a 3-year PhD fellowship from the University Pierre and Marie Curie Paris. Working environment and laboratory The Institute of Vision is one of the top international centers for integrated research on vision and eye diseases. It is located at the heart of Paris, on the campus of the National Hospital Center for Ophthalmology. The Institute of Vision includes multidisciplinary research groups, which share state-of-the-art platforms for human and animal experimentation. It also harbors a clinical investigation center, which fosters truly translational research activity. More information can be found online (http://www.institut-vision.org) The Institute of Vision and Essilor International, world leader in ophthalmic optics, have recently supported the creation of the laboratory of Aging in Vision and Action. This new laboratory aims at evaluating and understanding the functional aspects of the degeneration mechanisms related to visual aging. This research has the potential to produce fundamental knowledge suited for opening to assistive technological developments and rehabilitation solutions. The faculty members of the Aging in Vision and Action laboratory, led by Angelo Arleo, are specialized in visual psychophysics, neurobiology of spatial orientation, neural coding, neurocomputational modeling, and preclinical evaluation. The group has access to a wide range of state-of-the-art platforms including eye trackers, motion capture rooms, virtual reality environments, brain imaging, artificial street labs and home labs (http://www.streetlab-vision.com/en/) How to apply Candidates should send a single pdf file containing a motivation letter, a full CV, and names and contact information of at least two referees, to angelo.arleo(a)inserm.fr. Short listed candidates will be contacted for an interview (either face-to-face or via videoconference). For further inquiries, please contact Angelo Arleo, angelo.arleo(a)inserm.fr, phone: +33 (0)1 53 46 26 52. Angelo ARLEO Institute of Vision, Aging in Vision and Action Lab, CNRS - INSERM - University Pierre&Marie Curie, 17, rue Moreau F-75012 Paris, France Phone: +33 (0)1 53 46 26 52 Mobile: +33 (0)6 89 89 07 23 email: angelo.arleo(a)inserm.fr; angelo.arleo(a)upmc.fr

Aug. 29, 2014

PhD Studentship in Computer Science: Understanding and modelling emergent functionality in small biological neural systems

by Peter Andras

PhD Studentship in Computer Science Understanding and modelling emergent functionality in small biological neural systems Reference Number: EPSAM2014-1 Application Deadline: 15th September 2014 Supervisor: Professor Peter Andras, School of Computing and Mathematics, Keele University Project description: The functionality of biological neural systems emerges through the interaction of neurons. Recent technological advances allow the recording and analysis of many neurons individually, making possible the understanding and modelling the emergence of system level functionality in biological neural circuits. This project will use as model system the stomatogastric ganglion (STG) of brown crabs. The focus will be on the understanding how the roles of neurons may change in response to neuromodulation in the context of changing functional behaviour of the pyloric rhythm neural circuit within the STG. We will use fast voltage-sensitive dye imaging to collect the data about the activity of neurons and computational modelling of these neurons and the impact of neuromodulators on them in order to model and explain the observed activity of the STG. We aim to analyse the roles of apparently functionally equivalent neurons (e.g. two PD neurons, five PY neurons) and model computationally the changes in their functional roles in response to neuromodulation. The successful candidate will be expected to learn the relevant biological experimental techniques, perform biological experiments, learn the relevant computational modelling techniques, and build and analyse computational models of neurons and neural circuits. The stipend is £13,863 (2014/15) per year. The studentship is not available for candidates from outside of the EU. Person specification: You should have either a First class honours degree in Computing Science, Mathematics, Physics, Biology or other relevant science or engineering subject, or a or 2.1 in Computing Science, Mathematics, Physics, Biology or other relevant science or engineering subject and a distinction level Masters degree in a related subject. Equivalent experience will also be considered. Application procedure: You must apply through the Universitys online postgraduate application website (http://www.keele.ac.uk/pgresearch/howtoapply/) specifying the reference number EPSAM2014-1 and selecting PhD in Computer Science, as the programme of study. Only mandatory fields need to be completed and a personal statement, CV and (if English is not your first language) a copy of your English language qualifications must be attached. The personal statement must state the title of the studentship, quote the reference number EPSAM2014-1 and describe how your research interests fit with the topic of the research projected outlined in the advertisement (max. 2 pages). If you already have published research papers a list of these providing bibliographic details should be included in the covering letter. You should also send your personal statement and CV by e-mail to Professor Peter Andras, ( <mailto:p.andras@keele.ac.uk> p.andras(a)keele.ac.uk) Further information: For further details, please contact Professor Peter Andras ( <mailto:%20p.andras@keele.ac.uk> p.andras(a)keele.ac.uk) 01782 733412 For general enquiries contact: http://www.keele.ac.uk/pgresearch/howtoapply --- Professor Peter Andras Professor of Computer Science and Informatics Head of Computing Division School of Computing and Mathematics Keele University Keele, Staffordshire ST5 5BG UK Tel. +44-1782-733412 Fax. +44-1782-734268 E-mail: p.andras(a)keele.ac.uk Web: www.scm.keele.ac.uk/staff/p_andras/

Aug. 29, 2014

New book: Growing Adaptive Machines

by Nicolas Bredeche

<We are sorry if you have received multiple copies of this email> Dear all, Some of you will be interested in our recent book, Growing Adaptive Machines: Combining Development and Learning in Artificial Neural Networks. The topic is the generation of low-level neural network architectures using bio-inspired models and simulations. By emulating the biological process of development, we can incorporate desirable characteristics of natural neural systems into engineered designs and thus move closer towards the creation of brain-like systems. The book includes two broad reviews, summaries of research portfolios from established researchers, and new research contributions. We believe it will form a valuable reference for advanced students and practitioners. See below for the table of contents. http://www.springer.com/engineering/computational+intelligence+and+complexi… http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Adaptive-Machines-Computational-Intelligence/… Best regards, Taras Kowaliw, Nicolas Bredeche, René Doursat (Editors) =-=-=-=-= Table of Contents Artificial Neurogenesis: An Introduction and Selective Review. T. Kowaliw, N. Bredeche, S. Chevallier and R. Doursat A Brief Introduction to Probabilistic Machine Learning and Its Relation to Neuroscience. T. Trappenberg Evolving Culture Versus Local Minima. Y. Bengio Learning Sparse Features with an Auto-Associator. S. Rebecchi, H. Paugam-Moisy and M. Sebag HyperNEAT: The First Five Years. D. D’Ambrosio, J. Gauci and K. Stanley Using the Genetic Regulatory Evolving Artificial Networks (GReaNs) Platform for Signal Processing, Animat Control, and Artificial Multicellular Development. B. Wróbel and M. Joachimczak Constructing Complex Systems Via Activity-Driven Unsupervised Hebbian Self-Organization J. Bednar Neuro-Centric and Holocentric Approaches to the Evolution of Developmental Neural Networks. J. Miller Artificial Evolution of Plastic Neural Networks: A Few Key Concepts. J.-B. Mouret and P. Tonelli

Aug. 29, 2014

Director of Robotics Institute at HKUST

by Bert Shi

Professor Position cum Director of Robotics Institute Applications and nominations are invited for the joint faculty position as Professor cum Director of Robotics Institute in the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The successful candidate will hold a joint appointment as a full Professor in two or more of the following departments: Electronic and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management, and Mathematics. HKUST Robotics Institute is a newly established research institute. Its mission is to (i) conduct fundamental and cutting-edge research in the area of robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), manufacturing automation, autonomous systems, and medical robotics; (ii) provide a world class educational platform for robotics teaching and learning; (iii) transfer knowledge related to robotic technology to the community, industry and government; and (iv) create an entrepreneurial environment for students and faculty. Major stakeholders of the Institute include faculty, staff and students of various departments. Applicants/nominees for the position should have a PhD degree, demonstrated leadership abilities, extensive teaching and research experience as well as an ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, industry and the Government. Salary will be highly competitive with generous fringe benefits. Appointment of professorship will be made on substantive terms of service. Fringe benefits including housing, annual leave, medical and dental benefits will be provided where applicable. HKUST is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and has a range of family-friendly policies in place. More information about the School of Engineering is available at: www.seng.ust.hk<http://www.seng.ust.hk/> Applications/Nominations, together with a full curriculum vitae, list of publications, names and contacts of five referees, should be addressed to Professor Amine Bermak, Chair of the Search Committee by email to: drisearch(a)ust.hk<mailto:drisearch@ust.hk> on or before 15 November 2014<x-apple-data-detectors://2>. Review of applications/nominations will start immediately, and will continue until the position is filled. (Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes.)

Aug. 28, 2014

PhD position in computational neuroimaging

by Igor Yakushev

A PhD position is open in the research group Multimodal Imaging in Normal and Pathological Cognition (Head: Dr. Igor Yakushev) at the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technische Universität München (TUM), Munich, Germany. The project is dedicated to modeling/reconstruction of cerebral networks on the basis of brain images, as obtained using PET, DTI, and fMRI. Disease-related changes in patterns of cerebral connectivity should be quantified in patients with cognitive impairment and subjects at risk. The research group is integrated into the TUM Neuroimaging Center, which possesses a broad methodological and thematic expertise: http://www.tumnic.mri.tum.de/tumnic/index.html The PhD student will be enrolled at the TUM graduate school, which offers a structured curriculum of courses and seminars (in English) and supports participation in conferences and international exchange: http://www.gs.tum.de/en/home/ The Dept. of Nuclear Medicine offers exciting opportunities for neuroimaging research, in an interdisciplinary environment consisting of medical physicists, radiopharmacists and clinicians, and access to state-of-the-art technology including a hybrid PET/MR scanner (Siemens Biograph mMR). Eligible candidates should have a background in applied mathematics, computer science, image analysis or related disciplines. Prior experience with image analysis, Matlab programming and good statistical skills are required. A co-authorship in a scientific paper (at least in submission) is advantageous. The student will be co-supervised by a partner department of the TUM (e.g., Informatics), depending on his/her academic background. The salary/stipend is 1500-2000 EUR net / month, depending on performance of the student and availability of funds. There is no tuition fee at the TUM. The position can commence immediately, by 1.2015 at the latest. Interested researchers should submit their applications including CV, two recommendation letters (or names and contact details of personal references), and a brief letter of motivation to Dr. Yakushev at igor.yakushev(a)lrz.tum.de Applications will be considered until the position has been filled.

Aug. 27, 2014

AES Seizure Prediction Challenge

by Levin Kuhlmann

Posted by Levin Kuhlmann on behalf of Ben Brinkmann Dear Colleagues, We had a phenomenal response to the Seizure Detection challenge (hosted through Kaggle.com<http://kaggle.com/>), which closed last week with 205 teams participating. We would like to call to your attention the AES Seizure Prediction challenge on Kaggle, which is now open to competitors at https://www.kaggle.com/c/seizure-prediction/. There is $USD 20,000 in prize money up for grabs! Sincerely, Ben =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Benjamin H. Brinkmann, PhD Mayo Systems Electrophysiology Lab Alfred 9-441C, SMH 1216 Second St. SW Rochester, MN 55902 (507)538-5719 http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ax95gtwAAAAJ&hl=en ________________________________

Aug. 27, 2014

Re: [Comp-neuro] New Purkinje Neuron Paper

by MICHAEL FORREST

This very recent paper may be of interest to the readership. It investigates and demonstrates the computational power of just a single neuron: the cerebellar Purkinje neuron. Furthermore, it suggests that the sodium-potassium pump is not simply a homeostatic, "housekeeping" molecule - but that it can be a computational element, utilised by the brain for information processing. Forrest MD (2014) Intracellular calcium dynamics permit a Purkinje neuron model to perform toggle and gain computations upon its inputs. Front. Comput. Neurosci. 8:86. Web link to this article at Frontiers (article is free): http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fncom.2014.00086/full Date: Sat, 9 Aug 2014 19:54:33 +0200 From: hugues.berry(a)inria.fr To: comp-neuro(a)neuroinf.org CC: mauriziodepitta(a)gmail.com Subject: [Comp-neuro] A mailing list for Computational Glioscience Dear colleagues, A spinoff of the recent OCNS workshop on the modelling of glia-neuron interactions, we have started a new mailing list. It is intended to share items of interest (new results, papers, events, trainings, jobs...) to the computational glioscience community, i.e. researchers implicated in the modelling and simulation of glial cells at large (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells...) and their interactions with neurons. To subscribe, send an email to : sympa(a)inria.fr with the following Subject: subscribe comput-gliosci your_name Sincerely yours Maurizio De Pitta' Hugues Berry-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maurizio De Pitta' - https://sites.google.com/site/mauriziodepitta Hugues Berry - http://www.inrialpes.fr/Berry -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Project-Team BEAGLE INRIA Rhone-Alpes Université de Lyon LIRIS UMR5205 Antenne INRIA de La Doua Batiment CEI-1 66 Blvd Niels Bohr CS 52132 69603 Villeurbanne cedex France _______________________________________________ Comp-neuro mailing list Comp-neuro(a)neuroinf.org http://www.neuroinf.org/mailman/listinfo/comp-neuro

Aug. 26, 2014

Neural Circuits and Behavior Faculty Position

by Olaf Sporns

NEURAL CIRCUITS AND BEHAVIOR FACULTY POSITION, INDIANA UNIVERSITY: The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Indiana University -- Bloomington seeks to fill a faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor (tenure-track) to begin August 2015. Applicants for this position must have a doctorate, a strong record of publication, and the potential for research funding. The applicant's research should focus on using innovative experimental techniques in animal models to understand mechanisms and causal relationships between neural circuit activity and ethologically relevant behavior. We seek cutting-edge integration between new and emerging capabilities for large scale recording and/or manipulation of circuits combined with sophisticated analysis of large-scale data. Examples of behaviors of interest include those related to learning and memory, perception, decision making, reward, timing, pain, adaptation to stress, and developmental processes. Experimental techniques include various methods for recording and manipulating neural circuits at single-cell resolution, including multi-electrode recordings, imaging of circuit activity, and optogenetics. Candidates using circuit-based approaches to study preclinical models of schizophrenia, autism, and other difficult to treat psychiatric diseases are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate is expected to assemble a vibrant, externally-funded research program and to achieve excellence in both undergraduate and graduate education. Indiana University is in the midst of a multi-year initiative to build excellence in network science, and it is anticipated that the candidate's research will both benefit from, and contribute to the initiative's computational neuroscience components. To apply, please include a curriculum vita, copies of representative publications, statements of research and teaching interests, and three (3) letters of recommendation. Interested candidates should review the application requirements and submit their application at: https://indiana.peopleadmin.com. Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to: William P. Hetrick, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences, 1101 E. 10th St., Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405 or via email at whetrick(a)indiana.edu <mailto:whetrick@indiana.edu>. Review of all applications will begin on November 1, 2014 and will continue until the position is filled. Indiana University is an equal opportunity employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Information about the department and the university is available at *http://psych.indiana.edu/faculty/opportunities.asp * * * -- Olaf Sporns -- @spornslab Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Programs in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Indiana University Bloomington, IN 47405

Aug. 26, 2014

CFP: MLINI 2014 - 4th NIPS Workshop on Machine Learning and Interpretation in Neuroimaging: Beyond the Scanner

by Irina Rish

Call for Papers MLINI 2014 - 4th NIPS Workshop on Machine Learning and Interpretation in Neuroimaging: Beyond the Scanner https://sites.google.com/site/mlininips2014/ Friday, December 12, 2014, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Submission deadline: October 10th, 2014 Workshop Overview: ----------------------- MLINI workshop focuses on machine learning approaches in neuroscience, neuroimaging, with an extension to behavioral experiments and psychology. This year, our focus is specifically on "Going Beyond the Scanner", which includes making inferences about mental states of a subject from ''cheaper'' (as opposed to fMRI) behavioral data such as subject's speech and/or text, audio, video, EEG and signals collected from various wearable devices. We believe that machine learning has a prominent role in shaping how questions in neuroscience are framed, and that the machine-learning mind set is now entering modern psychology and behavioral studies. It is also equally important that practical applications in these fields motivate a rapidly evolving line or research in the machine learning community. In parallel, there is an intense interest in learning more about brain function in the context of rich naturalistic environments and scenes. Efforts to go beyond highly specific paradigms that pinpoint a single function, towards schemes for measuring the interaction with natural and more varied scene are made. In this context, many controversies and open questions exist. The goal of the workshop is to pinpoint the most pressing issues and common challenges across the fields, and to sketch future directions and open questions in the light of novel methodology. The proposed workshop is aimed at offering a forum that joins machine learning, neuroscience, and psychology community, and should facilitate formulating and discussing the issues at their interface. Motivated by the previous workshops in this series, MLINI ‘11, MLINI’12, and MLINI’13, we will center this workshop around invited talks and a panel discussion. Triggered by the discussions, this year we plan to adapt the workshop topics to a less traditional scope neuroimaging scope and investigate the role of behavioral models and psychology, including topics such as psycholinguistics. Open questions and possible topics for contribution include, but are not limited to, the following: - How can we move towards more naturalistic stimuli, tasks and paradigms in neuroimaging and neuro-signal analysis? - What kind of mental states can be inferred from cheaper and easier to collect data sources (as an alternative to fMRI), such as text, speech, audio, video, EEG, and wearable devices? - How can we leave the lab when acquiring neuroimaging data, towards exploiting mobile acquisition (EEG and NIRS)? - What type of features should be extracted from naturalistic stimuli such as text, voice, etc., to detect specific mental states and/or mental disorders? - How can we combine traditional neuroimaging with naturalistic data collected from a subject or group of subjects? - In general, can we characterize situations when multivariate predictive analysis (MVPA) and inference methods are better suited for brain imaging analysis than more traditional techniques? - Given recent advances of deep learning in image analysis and other applications, a natural question to ask is whether neuroimaging analysis can benefit from such approaches? - How well can functional networks and dynamical models capture the brain activity, and when using network and dynamics information is superior to standard task-based brain activations? Workshop Format: -------------------------- In this one-day workshop we will explore perspectives and novel methodology at the interface of Machine Learning, Inference, Neuroimaging and Neuroscience. We aim to bring researchers from machine learning and neuroscience community together, in order to discuss open questions, identify the core points for a number of the controversial issues, and eventually propose approaches to solving those issues. Each session will be opened by several invited talks, and an in depth discussion. This will be followed by original contributions. Original contributions will also be presented and discussed during a poster session. The workshop will end with a panel discussion, during which we will address specific questions, and invited speakers will open each segment with a brief presentation of their opinion. Paper Submission: -------------------------- We seek for submission of original (previously unpublished) research papers. The length of the submitted papers should not exceed 8 pages in Springer format, excluding the references (LaTeX2e style files are available on the workshop page). Submission of previously published work is possible as well, but the authors are required to mention this explicitly. Previously published work can be presented at the workshop, but will not be included into the workshop proceedings (which are considered peer-reviewed publications of novel contributions). Moreover, the authors are welcome to present their novel work but choose to opt out of the workshop proceedings in case they have alternative publication plans. Important dates: -------------------------- - October 10, 2014 - paper submission - October 24, 2014 - notification of acceptance/rejection - December 12, 2014 - Workshop at Montreal, Quebec, Canada , following the NIPS conference Organizing Committee: -------------------------- Guillermo Cecchi (IBM T.J. Watson Research Center) Kai-min Kevin Chang (Language Technologies Institute, Carnegie Mellon University) Georg Langs (Medical University of Vienna, CSAIL, MIT) Brian Murphy (Machine Learning Department, Carngie Mellon University) *Irina Rish (IBM T.J. Watson Research Center) - main contact Leila Wehbe (CMU)

Aug. 25, 2014

First release of VERTEX cortical tissue LFP simulator

by Marcus Kaiser

Dear colleagues, Many of you may be interested the first release of our VERTEX simulator for biologically realistic models of *primate* cortical tissue. The Virtual Electrode Recording Tool for EXtracellular potentials (VERTEX) is a Matlab tool for simulating extracellular potential recordings in spiking neural network (SNN) models. As a first application, our model allows us to reproduce temporal and spatial gamma oscillation features of in vitro MEA recordings of macaque cortex using more than 100,000 model neurons. However, adapting the code to other species or tissue types is also possible in the future (see FAQ on our website). VERTEX 1.0 Release Features - VERTEX simulator allows large simulations (> 100 000 neurons) on single computers - *In silico* neuronal network model of an *in vitro* brain slice recording - Realistic local field potential recording with “virtual electrodes” at any 3D point - Direct comparisons between simulated and experimentally observed tissue Software, a two-minute introductory video, tutorials, manuals, and a FAQ can be found at: http://www.vertexsimulator.org/ This release is in conjunction with our publication: Tomsett RJ, Ainsworth M, Thiele A, Sanayei M, Chen X, Gieselmann A, Whittington MA, Cunningham MO, Kaiser M. Virtual Electrode Recording Tool for EXtracellular potentials (VERTEX): Comparing multi-electrode recordings from simulated and biological mammalian cortical tissue. Brain Structure and Function (in press) http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00429–014–0793-x <http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00429-014-0793-x> Best, Marcus -- Marcus Kaiser, Ph.D. Associate Professor (Reader) in Neuroinformatics School of Computing Science Newcastle University Claremont Tower Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK Lab website: http://www.dynamic-connectome.org/ Neuroinformatics@Newcastle: http://neuroinformatics.ncl.ac.uk/ -- Best, Marcus -- Marcus Kaiser, Ph.D. Associate Professor (Reader) in Neuroinformatics School of Computing Science Newcastle University Claremont Tower Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK Lab website: http://www. <http://www.biological-networks.org/>dynamic-connectome.org <http://www.dynamic-connectome.org/> Neuroinformatics@Newcastle: http://neuroinformatics.ncl.ac.uk/

Aug. 25, 2014

Research Scientist Computational Neuroscience Position in Toronto

by Frances Skinner

Computational Neuroscience Research Scientist Position The Toronto Western Research Institute of the University Health Network invites applicants to apply for a Scientist position in the area of Computational Neuroscience. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field, have research experience and expertise in mathematical and computational modeling techniques, and research interests that complement those of the Institute in “Degenerative Disorders of Aging”. Candidates whose research interests encompass modeling at multiple levels (molecular, cellular, network, systems), and who have experimental and/or collaborative experimental experience are especially encouraged. The successful candidate will have the ability to establish an independent, well-funded program and will be eligible for appointment at the appropriate level within the University of Toronto. Applications must be emailed by October 19th, 2014 and should include: 1) CV, 2) Statement of research interests, and 3) Contact information (including email) for three referees Reply, by email only, and in confidence to: TWRIrecruitment(a)uhnresearch.ca with subject line: CompNeuro University Health Network thanks all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. -- Frances Skinner, PhD TWRI/UHN and Univ Toronto www.skinnerlab.org

Aug. 23, 2014

JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE NEUROSCIENCE

by Roman Poznanski

JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE NEUROSCIENCE Volume 13, No.3, September 2014 http://www.worldscinet.com/jin 1. Theoretical predications of the effects of temperature on simulated adaptive processes in human motor nerve axons at 20°C–42°C D. I. Stephanova<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Stephanova%2C+D+I>, M. Daskalova<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Daskalova%2C+M> DOI: 10.1142/S0219635214500162 2. Motor afferents from the cerebellum, zona incerta and substantia nigra to the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus in the rat Safiye Çavdar<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=%C3%87avdar%2C+S>, Merve Özgür<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=%C3%96zg%C3%BCr%2C+M>, Sanem Pınar Uysal<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Uysal%2C+S+P>, Özge Ceren Amuk<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Amuk%2C+%C3%96+C> DOI: 10.1142/S0219635214500198 3. An ERP study of simple addition: The semantics and syntax of arithmetic operation signs Shelley Shaul<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Shaul%2C+S>, Pearla Nesher<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Nesher%2C+P> DOI: 10.1142/S0219635214500186 4. The role of featural processing in other-race face classification advantage: An ERP study Zhenhua Liu<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Liu%2C+Z>, Qinghua Zhang<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Zhang%2C+Q>, Yan Li<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Li%2C+Y>, Yifeng Du<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Du%2C+Y>, Wei Dong<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Dong%2C+W>, Lun Zhao<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Zhao%2C+L> DOI: 10.1142/S0219635214500125 5. fMRI evidence for dissociation between priming and conscious recognition M. S. Korsnes<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Korsnes%2C+M+S>, S. J. Magnussen<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Magnussen%2C+S+J> DOI: 10.1142/S0219635214500149 6. Visual MMN elicited by orientation changes of faces Wei Wang<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Wang%2C+W>, Danmin Miao<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Miao%2C+D>, Lun Zhao<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Zhao%2C+L> DOI: 10.1142/S0219635214500137 7. MEG localization of spike sources in human patients with brain tumors T. Birbilis<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Birbilis%2C+T>, P. Anninos<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Anninos%2C+P>, I. Seimenis<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Seimenis%2C+I>, A. Adamopoulos<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Adamopoulos%2C+A>, A. Kotini<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Kotini%2C+A> DOI: 10.1142/S0219635214500150 8. Effects of temperature on simulated electrotonic potentials and their current kinetics of human motor axons at 20°C–42°C D. I. Stephanova<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Stephanova%2C+D+I>, M. Daskalova<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Daskalova%2C+M> DOI: 10.1142/S0219635214500095 9. Color properties of the motion detectors projecting to the goldfish tectum: I. A color matching study Vadim Maximov<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Maximov%2C+V>, Elena Maximova<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Maximova%2C+E>, Ilija Damjanović<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Damjanovi%C4%87%2C+I>, Paul Maximov<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Maximov%2C+P> DOI: 10.1142/S0219635214500113 10. Neural mechanisms underlying conflict monitoring over risky decision alternatives: Evidence from ERP in a Go/Nogo task Shuzhen Wang<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Wang%2C+S>, Ning Hui<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Hui%2C+N>, Xinsheng Zhou<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Zhou%2C+X>, Kaifeng He<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=He%2C+K>, Yuanyuan Yu<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Yu%2C+Y>, Jing Shuai<http://www.worldscientific.com/action/doSearch?Contrib=Shuai%2C+J> DOI: 10.1142/S0219635214500101 "The only journal that combines mathematical neuroscience and experimental brain research for the advancement of a well-grounded theoretical neuroscience." --Gilbert A. Chauvet, Chief Editor, Journal of Integrative Neuroscience, 2002-2007 Indexed in: Index Medicus MEDLINE PubMed Biosis Previews Biological Abstracts INSPEC Science Citation Index Expanded ------- Roman R. Poznanski Professor Laboratory of Biological Modeling The Rockefeller University 1230 York Avenue New York, NY 10065-6399 Office: (212) 327-7646 E-mail: rpoznanski(a)rockefeller.edu http://romanpoznanski.blogspot.com and Chief-Editor, Journal of Integrative Neuroscience http://www.worldscinet.com/jin/mkt/editorial.shtml

Aug. 23, 2014

MSc program in Neural Systems and Computation - University of Zurich and ETH Zurich

by Michael Pfeiffer

We are inviting applications for the MSc program in Neural Systems and Computation, an interdisciplinary program offered as a Joint Master Program by the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Switzerland. The program offers a theoretical and laboratory training in neural computation and systems neuroscience. It offers hands-on knowledge of data gathering, analysis and scientific presentation. Students join an international and interdisciplinary research community with expertise in neuroinformatics, advanced experimental techniques and neuromorphic engineering. Further information can be found on our homepage http://www.nsc.uzh.ch. We offer a specialized full-time Masters program open to students with a Bachelor’s degree in the following disciplines: neurosciences, information technology, electrical engineering, biology, physics, computer sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and mechanical/chemical/control engineering. The core courses (all offered in English) provide a common foundation for students with different educational backgrounds, and cover the following: 1. Systems Neurosciences 2. Neural Computation and Theoretical Neuroscience 3. Neurotechnologies and Neuromorphic Engineering The application deadline for students starting in Spring Semester 2015 is *September 15th 2014*. Details about the application process and required documents can be found here: http://www.nsc.uzh.ch/?page_id=10 The program is affiliated with the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Faculty (MNF) at the University of Zurich (UZH) and the Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Department (D-ITET) of the ETH Zurich. All applications are handled by the University of Zurich. Application documents should be sent to nsc(a)ini.uzh.ch. Michael Pfeiffer -- ========================================= Dr. Michael Pfeiffer Postdoc, Director of Studies NSC Institute of Neuroinformatics University of Zurich and ETH Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland Tel. +41 44 635 30 45 Fax +41 44 635 30 53 pfeiffer (at) ini.phys.ethz.ch http://www.ini.uzh.ch/~pfeiffer/ =========================================

Aug. 22, 2014

PhD position available at VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam

by Andre Marquand

Please see below for a PhD Vacancy at the VU University Medical Centre in Amsterdam for employing pattern recognition methods for neuroimaging data analysis. ----------------------------------------------------------- The project The focus of the proposed PhD project is two-fold; First, the PhD student will will employ advanced computational and statistical methods to evaluate the prognostic value of neuroimaging modalities, biomarker, genetic, environmental and clinical characteristics and their combination to classify the course of depression and anxiety. A second part of the project focuses on employing these methods to disentangle phenotypic heterogeneity of depression by identifying different subtypes based on a rich set of neuroimaging and clinical data and biological protein information, and by exploring the genetic basis of different subtypes and their association with course of depression and treatment response. For these purposes, you will work with data from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (www.nesda.nl) in which an extensive battery of detailed longitudinal clinical, biomarker, neuroimaging and genetic data have been collected in a large cohort. You will also work with similar data from other international cohorts, and with data from the MOTAR study (www.motar.nl) in which the effects of antidepressant and running treatments are examined. This project will integrate across these data-sources using a variety of methods, including the application of supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques. You will be involved in the processing of neuroimaging data (structural MRI, functional MRI), associating these data with biomarker, clinical and genetics information and using machine learning methods to classify the patients. You will be working in a multidisciplinary team with young and enthusiastic researchers, who have expertise in psychiatry, genetics, neuroimaging, statistics/engineering and epidemiology. Your challenge As a PhD Student your main tasks and responsibilites are: • Help examine predictors of the naturalistic course and treatment response in depression and anxiety; • Identifying subtypes of depression and anxiety based on multimodal data sources; • Apply unsupervised and supervised machine learning methods, such as Support Vector Machine and/or probabilistic methods, to genetic, multi-modal neuroimaging, clinical and environmental data from the NESDA study, the MOTAR study and other international cohorts; • Write various scientific papers on the above topics, and complete your research with a PhD thesis. Your profile We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher with a strong interest in psychopathology who has the following background and experience: • A strong numerate background (i.e. a Master's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering, medical image analysis or related discipline), preferably with emphasis on machine learning, pattern classification, and/or multivariate image analysis; • Experience with neuroimage analysis or with (bio) statistics is desirable; • You have excellent statistical and strong computer programming skills (good command of LINUX, scripting, and Matlab); • You have excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal; • Having experience in writing (international) publication(s) is a plus. Benefits Salary Scale: OIO (EUR 2.200 in the first year that increases to EUR 2.818 gross per month in the fourth year, based on 36 hours per week). We also offer a set 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday pay. For more information about our fringe benefits, please visit http://www.werkenbijvumc.nl/vumc/arbeidsvoorwaarden/ (Dutch version). The PhD position is for four years, you will start with a contract for 12 months. Additional information The Department of Psychiatry of the VU University Medical Center (VUMC) and GGZ inGeest collaborately conduct research, education and academic patient care. The main focus is on depression and anxiety disorders, two common psychiatric disorders with high public health impact. Psychiatric research is embedded in two VU research institutes: EMGO+ and Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam. In this research area more than 150 persons from different disciplines (e.g. psychiatry, psychology, health science) collaborate. Interested? For more information you can contact dr. Lianne Schmaal, via telephone number: +31(0)20 – 788 4592. For more information about the application procedure you can contact mr. Wessel Haytink, recruiter, via telephone number: +31(0)6 – 1066 7718. Please submit your candidacy by latest September 7, 2014 with reference number D2.2014.00077WH via the following link: http://bit.ly/PhDMachineLearning

Aug. 21, 2014

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Computational Brain Modeling and Neural Engineering

by Mark Kramer

A multi-year postdoctoral researcher position in computational neuroscience is available immediately through a collaboration of Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston University. The fellow will be tasked to build neural models capable of simulating and predicting human neural dynamics within and among a network of cortical and subcortical areas. These models will inform the design of adaptive “closed loop” stimulation to treat psychiatric disorders. The researcher will work with an interdisciplinary team of clinical and computational researchers at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Boston University to focus on three central aims: 1) Develop a mean-field computational model of human cortical and subcortical regions, 2) Simulate the impact of electrical stimulation on the model dynamics, 3) Implement data assimilation procedures to link in vivo brain voltage recordings from individual patients to the computational model variables and parameters. Experience in statistics (e.g., parameter estimation, Kalman filtering, particle filtering) and computer programming in MATLAB and C-like languages are required. Knowledge of neuroscience and models of neural population activity are preferred, and we will preferentially interview candidates with prior work in neural simulation or experimental neuroscience. This opportunity is available immediately, and candidates currently available to begin work will be preferred. However, we are happy to negotiate start terms for outstanding candidates. To apply, or for more information about the position, please send an email to Drs. Mark Kramer (mak(a)bu.edu) and Alik Widge (awidge(a)partners.org) Please include an updated CV, names and contact information of three references, and a brief statement of your interest in the position and relevant qualifications. Applications from women and representatives of minority groups are encouraged. See also: http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/446865-postdoctoral-research-… -------- Mark A. Kramer Prof. Math & Stats, BU http://math.bu.edu/people/mak/

Aug. 20, 2014

[COSYNE2015] Call for workshop proposals

by Tomas Hromadka

================================================================== Computational and Systems Neuroscience (Cosyne) 2015 MAIN MEETING WORKSHOPS Mar 5 - Mar 8, 2015 Mar 9 - Mar 10, 2015 Salt Lake City, Utah Snowbird Ski Resort, Utah http://www.cosyne.org ================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------ CALL FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS ------------------------------------------------------------------ PROPOSAL DEADLINE: November 21, 2014. PRE-PROPOSALS: In an effort to coordinate submissions, the organizers are encouraged to submit a pre-proposal by October 31, 2014. Pre-proposals will be shared among submitters. Pre-proposals are requested but not required. The organizers may submit the full proposal by its deadline. A series of workshops will be held after the main Cosyne meeting (http://www.cosyne.org) The goal is to provide an informal forum for the discussion of important research questions and challenges. Controversial issues, open problems, comparisons of competing approaches, and alternative viewpoints are encouraged. The overarching goal of all workshops should be the integration of empirical and theoretical approaches, in an environment that fosters collegial discussion and debate. Preference will be given to proposals that differ substantially in content, scope, and/or approach from workshops of recent years (examples available at http://www.cosyne.org/c/index.php?title=Workshops) Relevant topics include, but are not limited to: sensory processing; motor planning and control; functional neural circuits; motivation, reward and decision making; learning and memory; adaptation and plasticity; neural coding; neural circuitry and network models; and methods in computational or systems neuroscience. Please note that in an effort to enhance the distinctions between workshops, speakers will be asked to commit to only 1-2 workshops. If need be, workshop chairs will work with overcommitted speakers prior to final workshop acceptances to reduce overlap. WORKSHOP DETAILS: - There will be 4-8 workshops/day, running in parallel. - Each workshop is expected to draw between 15 and 80 people. - The workshops will be split into morning (8:00-11:00 AM) and afternoon (4:30-7:30 PM) sessions. - Workshops will be held at Snowbird, a ski resort located 30 miles (typically less than an hour) from the Salt Lake City airport. Buses from the main conference will be provided. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Deadline for pre-proposals: October 31, 2014 Deadline for proposals: November 21, 2014 Format: plain text only -- please no attachments, email to: cosyne15workshops(a)googlegroups.com (Claudia Clopath, Robert Froemke) PRE-PROPOSALS should include: - Name(s) and email address(es) of the organizers (no more than 2 organizers per session, please). A primary contact should be designated. - A title. - A brief description of 1) what the workshop will address and accomplish, 2) why the topic is of interest, 3) who is the targeted group of participants. - Names of potential invitees, with indication of confirmed speakers. Preference will be given to workshops with the largest fraction of confirmed speakers. - Proposed workshop length (1 or 2 days). Most workshops will be limited to a single day. If you think your workshop needs 2 days, please explain why. - A brief resume of the workshop organizer along with a short list of workshop-relevant publications (about half a page total). PROPOSALS should include the list of confirmed speakers in addition to components required for a pre-proposal. Workshop organizer responsibilities include coordinating workshop participation and content, scheduling all speakers and submitting a final schedule for the workshop program, and moderating the discussion. Organizers can be speakers but need not speak depending on scheduling constraints. SUGGESTIONS: Experience has shown that the best discussions during a workshop are those that arise spontaneously. A good way to foster these is to have short talks and long question periods (e.g. 30+15 minutes), and have plenty of breaks. We recommend fewer than 10 talks. WORKSHOP COSTS: Detailed registration costs, etc., will be available at cosyne.org. Please note: Cosyne does NOT provide travel funding for workshop speakers. All workshop speakers are expected to pay for workshop registration fees. Participants are encouraged to register early, in order to qualify for discounted registration rates. One complementary (free) organizer registration is provided per workshop. For workshops with 2 organizers, the free registration can be given to one of the organizers or split evenly between them. COSYNE 2015 WORKSHOP CHAIRS: Claudia Clopath (Imperial College London) and Robert Froemke (New York University). QUESTIONS: email: cosyne15workshops(a)googlegroups.com

Aug. 20, 2014

Postdoc Position in Sleep and Cognition Lab

by Sara C. Mednick

The Sleep and Cognition (SaC) Lab of the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside has an open position for a postdoc researcher. This researcher will be investigating mechanisms of memory encoding, consolidation, and retrieval by using event-related potential (ERP/EEG) during waking and sleep. Successful candidates should have experience in memory research and EEG methodologies, as well as programming skills. Experience in sleep research is not essential. Position is available immediately. Researchers must possess a doctoral degree. The University of California offers excellent benefits. Salary is based on research experience. The initial appointment is for 1 year with a possibility of extension. Please send your CV, statement of research interests and the names of three references or make inquires to Sara C. Mednick smednick(a)ucr.edu. -- Assistant Professor University of California, Riverside Department of Psychology Sleep and Cognition (SaC) Lab www.saramednick.com www.sleepandcognitionlab.org TEDx Talk <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MklZJprP5F0> Amandla awethu!

Aug. 20, 2014