- Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

Workshop on High Performance Computing Resources for Neuroscience

by Ted Carnevale

High Performance Computing Resources for Parallel Simulations and Data Analysis: NSG and HPAC Saturday, Nov. 3 from 9 AM to noon at downtown San Diego location. SUMMARY This workshop is intended for neuroscientists who need to use high performance computing (HPC) resources for computationally intensive tasks such as large modeling projects or analysis of neuroimaging data. It will examine resources offered by the Neuroscience Gateway Portal (NSG https://www.nsgportal.org/) and The Human Brain Project's High Performance Analytics and Computing Platform (HPAC https://hbp-hpc-platform.fz-juelich.de/) The workshop will combine hands-on instruction on how to use NSG with didactic presentations by NSG and HPAC developers and discussions with experienced users of these resources. The registration deadline for this workshop is Friday Oct. 12, but you should sign up early because space is limited. See https://neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/courses/nsg2018/nsg2018.html for more information and a link to the registration form. OVERVIEW OF NSG AND HPAC NSG eliminates most administrative and technical barriers, providing free CPU time to users, and easy access to widely used software that currently includes BluePyOpt, Brian, CARLsim, DynaSim, EEGLAB, Freesurfer, GENESIS, Human Neocortical Neuroserver (HNN), Large Scale Neural Modeling Simulator (LSNM), MATLAB, MOOSE, NEST, NetPyNE, NEURON, Octave, PyNN, Python, R, TensorFlow, and the Virtual Personalized Multimodal Connectome Pipeline. NSG's web-based interface simplifies the tasks of uploading models or data, specifying job parameters, monitoring job status, and storing and retrieving output data. HPAC provides extensive HPC support for the HBP community. This includes developing and providing the hardware and software infrastructure required for large scale simulations, data management and analysis, visualization, and managing the complex workflows involved in performing these tasks.

July 10, 2018

NEURON course at SFN 2018 meeting

by Ted Carnevale

Using NEURON to Model Cells and Networks Friday, Nov. 2 from 9 AM to 5 PM at a downtown San Diego location. This course provides a practical introduction to building and using models of neurons and networks with NEURON. Covered topics include basic concepts, workflow for building and using models, speeding up simulations with parallel hardware from multicore personal computers to massively parallel supercomputers, using Python with NEURON, and modeling reaction-diffusion with the RxD class. The registration deadline for this course is Friday Oct. 12, but you should sign up early because space is limited. See https://neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/courses/sd2018/sd2018.html for more information and a link to the registration form. --Ted

July 10, 2018

Conducting Interviews at CNS*2018 - Post-docs @ EPFL, Switzerland

by Eilif Muller

Dear Comp-Neuro community, I wish to inform you of openings for fully funded post-doctoral positions in "Biophysical Neuron Modeling and Dendritic Computation", and in "Simulation Neuroscience" (see details below), at the EPFL Blue Brain Project, Biotech Campus, Geneva, Switzerland. I will be at the CNS*2018 in Seattle, July 13-18. I warmly encourage interested candidates who will be there to get in touch with me by email (incl. CV) to arrange for an in-person interview. For those not going to CNS this year, applications by email are also highly encouraged (see below). Best regards, Eilif ------------- Dr. Eilif Muller Section Manager - Simulation Neuroscience - Cells & Circuits EPFL - Blue Brain Project Biotech Campus Chemin des Mines 9 1202 Geneva Switzerland Tel: +41 21 693 0698 Fax: +41 21 693 5350 www: http://bluebrain.epfl.ch/page-77926-en.html www: http://neuralensemble.org/people/eilifmuller ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The EPFL Blue Brain Project (BBP), located on the Campus Biotech in Geneva, Switzerland, applies advanced data-driven simulations, neuroinformatics, data analytics, and HPC-based approaches to the challenge of understanding the structure and function of the mammalian brain in health and disease. Within the Cells & Circuits Section of the BBP, we are looking to fill the following post-doc positions: *** Post-doctoral Researcher in Simulation Neuroscience *** Postition Shortname: "PostDoc-SimNeuro" We are looking for exceptional candidates to join a diverse and highly motivated multi-disciplinary team working at the interface of neuroscience, physics and computer science. Do you have a PhD in neuroscience, computational neuroscience, computer science, physics or related field, and experience in scientific computing with python or the NEURON simulation environment? Are you a constructive team player with excellent writing and communication skills who thrives in collaborative environments? Then we would like to hear from you! Several research topics across the scales of neuroscience (subcellular molecular processes, ion channels, synapses, neurons, and circuits) in systems such as mammalian neocortex, thalamus, and hippocampus are possible based on the expertise and interests of the candidate. *** Post-doctoral Researcher in Biophysical Neuron Modeling and Dendritic Integration *** Postition Shortname: "PostDoc-NeuronModeling" The primary objective for this position is to strengthen on-going biophysical neuron modeling and validation efforts in the project, by undertaking original scientific research to characterize the role of intrinsic cellular mechanisms in computation and dynamics at the dendritic, neuronal and network level. Candidates are expected to supervise computational neuroscience students, and to develop an intimate knowledge of the employed software in order to interface with engineering teams. The position is in close collaboration with electrophysiology labs, and modeling will go hand in hand with available and newly acquired experimental data. Your profile : * PhD in neuroscience, computational neuroscience, physics or related field * Expert in NEURON and multi-compartment conductance-based modeling as demonstrated by strong publication record * Expert in scientific computing (python, scipy, numpy, hdf5, gsl, Linux, etc.) * Knowledge of whole cell electrophysiology, ion channel experiments * Experience in automated neuron model optimization techniques * Experience in other programming languages (C++), parallel computing and software development (unit testing, continuous integration, version control, debugging and documentation) is of advantage * Experience in supervision of students and teaching * Strong team player and fluent English in speech and writing We offer: * An internationally visible project in simulation-based research in neuroscience having a leading role in the EU FET flagship “Human Brain Project” * A young, dynamic, inter-disciplinary, and international working environment * Very competitive salary Application deadlines: Until positions are filled Term of employment: Fixed-term (CDD) Work rate: 100% Duration: 1 year (renewable) Contact: Please get in touch with me directly by email to arrange an interview at CNS*2018. Otherwise, applicants should submit a cover letter and a detailed CV in PDF format only, with filenames “<surname>_<position-shortname>_CoverLetter” and “<surname>_<positon-shortname>_CV” electronically to jobs.bbp(a)epfl.ch Please refer to the position title in the “subject” field.

July 9, 2018

Job opening for a Research Associate in computational auditory neuroscience at Imperial College London

by Reichenbach, Johann D T

Dear all, I am pleased to announce the opening for a Research Associate in in computational auditory neuroscience in my group at the Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary setting combining computational and experimental methods in human auditory neuroscience. In particular, the project will explore how complex transcranial current stimulation can help to better perceive speech in noise. Full details including information for how to apply is here: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/description/ENG00430/research-assistantasso… Best, Tobias ------------------------------------------- Tobias Reichenbach Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) Department of Bioengineering Imperial College London South Kensington Campus SW7 2AZ London, UK http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/reichenbach/

July 9, 2018

Postdoc positions in computational neuroscience at NYU-Shanghai

by Sukbin Lim

Two postdoctoral positions are available in Sukbin Lim's lab at NYU-Shanghai as part of NYU’s global network and the NYU-ECNU Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science (https://shanghai.nyu.edu/research/brain) The overarching goal of the lab is to understand network interactions and dynamics for learning and memory. We have thrived to provide a mechanistic understanding of local circuits and interactions among local circuits and to develop tools to reverse-engineer the mechanism. More information on the research can be found at http://shanghai.nyu.edu/research/brain/faculty/Sukbin-Lim. Environment: Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science at NYU-Shanghai is a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment. Candidates will be encouraged to collaborate with systems and computational neuroscience labs, computer and data science groups at NYU-Shanghai and NYU. The initial appointment is for one year, renewable up to 3 years subject to progress. Globally competitive compensations will be provided. To Apply: Qualified applicants are expected to hold a Ph.D. by the start date of the position in computational and theoretical neuroscience, or related discipline with strong quantitative training in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Sciences, and Engineering. Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB or C/C++) and experience in modeling networks/complex systems will be valued. Knowledge of Neuroscience would be a plus. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. To be considered, please send a curriculum vitae, short research statement and the names and contact information of two references to *sukbin.lim(a)nyu.edu <xinying.cai(a)nyu.edu>*. Also, I can meet with candidates at CNS 2018 meeting in Seattle or Bernstein conference in Berlin.

July 9, 2018

CFP- ACM-THRI Special Issue on Representation Learning for Human and Robot Cognition (Extended Deadline)

by Amir Aly

*ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction (T-HRI) * CALL FOR PAPERS *(Extended Deadline)* **Apologies for cross posting ** We are happy to call for papers for the journal special issue: *"Representation Learning for Human and Robot Cognition"* *Webpage: **https://thri.acm.org/CFP-RLHRC.cfm <https://thri.acm.org/CFP-RLHRC.cfm> * <http://cognitive-mirroring.org/en/events/hai2017_workshop/> *I. Aim and Scope *Intelligent robots are rapidly moving to the center of human environment; they collaborate with human users in different applications that require high-level cognitive functions so as to allow them to understand and learn from human behavior within different Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) contexts. To this end, a stubborn challenge that attracts much attention in artificial intelligence is representation learning, which refers to learning representations of data so as to efficiently extract relevant features for probabilistic, nonprobabilistic, or connectionist classifiers. This active area of research spans different fields and applications including speech recognition, object recognition, emotion recognition, natural language processing, language emergence and development, in addition to mirroring different human cognitive processes through appropriate computational modeling. Learning constitutes a basic operation in the human cognitive system and developmental process, where perceptual information enhances the ability of the sensory system to respond to external stimuli through interaction with the environment. This learning process depends on the optimality of features (representations of data), which allows humans to make sense of everything they feel, hear, touch, and see in the environment. Using intelligent robots could open the door to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of representation learning and its associated cognitive processes so as to take a closer step towards making robots able to better collaborate with human users in space. This special issue aims to shed light on cutting edge lines of interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence, cognitive science, neuroscience, cognitive robotics, and human-robot interaction, focusing on representation learning with the objective of creating natural and intelligent interaction between humans and robots. Recent advances and future research lines in representation learning will be discussed in detail in this journal special issue. *II. Potential Topics* Topics relevant to this special issue include, but are not limited to: - Language learning, embodiment, and social intelligence - Human symbol system and symbol emergence in robotics - Computational modeling for high-level human cognitive functions - Predictive learning from sensorimotor information - Multimodal interaction and concept formulation - Language and action development - Learning, reasoning, and adaptation in collaborative human-robot tasks - Affordance learning - Cross-situational learning - Learning by demonstration and imitation - Language and grammar induction in robots *III. Submission* ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction is a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary, open-access journal using an online submission and manuscript tracking system. To submit your paper, please: - Go to https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/thri and login or follow the "Create an account" link to register. - After logging in, click the "Author" tab. - Follow the instructions to "Start New Submission". - Choose the submission category “*SI: Representation Learning for Human and Robot Cognition*”. *IV. Timline* - Deadline for paper submission: *August 1*, 2018 - First notification for authors: September 15, 2018 - Deadline for revised papers submission: November 15, 2018 - Final notification for authors: January 15, 2019 - Deadline for submission of camera-ready manuscripts: March 1, 2019 - Expected publication date: May 2019 *V. Guest editors* Takato Horii, The University of Electro-Communications, Japan ( takato(a)uec.ac.jp) Dr. Amir Aly, Ritsumeikan University, Japan (amir.aly(a)em.ci.ritsumei.ac.jp) Dr. Yukie Nagai, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan (yukie(a)nict.go.jp) Prof. Takayuki Nagai, The University of Electro-Communications, Japan ( nagai(a)ee.uet.at.jp) --------------------- *Amir Aly, Ph.D.* Senior Researcher Emergent Systems Laboratory College of Information Science and Engineering Ritsumeikan University 1-1-1 Noji Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577 Japan

July 6, 2018

[meetings] Call for participation: Barcelona Cognition, Brain and Technology Summer School (BCBT2018)

by Vasiliki Vouloutsi

Dear colleagues, Please find below information regarding the Barcelona Cognition, Brain and Technology summerschool. ------------------------------------------ CALL FOR PARTICIPATION ------------------------------------------ Join us for the annual*"Barcelona Cognition, Brain and Technology summer school -BCBT2018*" to be held 3-14September2018in Barcelona, Spain. The summer school has been part of a series of events organized by the European coordination action Convergent Science Network of Biomimetics and Neurotechnology (_http://csnetwork.eu/ <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__csnetwork.eu_&d=DwMFaQ&…>_). For the 2018 edition of the BCBT summer school, we are counting on thesupport of the Human Brain Project (*HBP*,**humanbrainproject.eu/en),the Institute of Bioengineeringof Catalonia (*IBEC*,ibecbarcelona.eu <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__ibecbarcelona.eu_&d=DwM…>) and the*UPC Campus**Besòs*(eebe.upc.edu/ca/lescola <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__eebe.upc.edu_ca_lescola…>). This is the 11th edition ofBCBT, which has run with great success in previous years thanks to an excellent line-up of outstanding speakersincluding Nobel Laureate winner Edvard Moser and luminaries in the fields of neurosciences, psychology, biology, robotics and AI, such as M. Arbib, S. Grilner, G. Rizzolatti, among many. TheBCBTlectures are available onlineat theConvergentScienceNetwork_lectures youtube channel <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.youtube.com_user_C…>with theBCBTpodcast interviewswith many of theBCBTspeakers.http://csnetwork.eu/talks/podcast <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__csnetwork.eu_talks_podc…> BCBTcaters to students and researchers involved in projects that are in the ambit of “BIO-ICT convergence”, "Brain Inspired ICT", “Cognitive systems-robotics”, “Cognitive and neural systems”, “Foundations of social cognition”. TheBCBTschool promotes a shared systems-level understanding of the functional architecture of the brain and its possible emulation in artificial systems. BCBTwill offer up to 30 student slots for the practical workshops, while as many researchers can register to attend the presentations and discussion sessions as they are interested. The atmosphere of theBCBTsummer school is informal with the goal to stimulate in-depth discussion. There are 2 or 3 presentations in the morning, with the afternoons reserved for tutorials and projects for student participantsand senior scientists with road-mapping workshops and further discussion. For the2018edition, we plan a*1^st week*of the school addressing*System level understanding of the brain and its emulation in advanced technology.*The*2^nd week*will include presentations aimed at the investigation of*Learning and Memory, Brain Function and Behavior**.*Friday14 is reserved for the presentation of the student projects to which everybody is invited. *Application deadline: 20 July2018* BCBTis organized by: Tony Prescott, Sheffield University - UK, Paul Verschure. ICREA and IBEC Barcelona, ES . - Anna Mura, IBEC Barcelona, ES. In collaboration with HBP Barcelona Cognition, Brain and Technology Summer School (BCBT2018) Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, UPC, Spain. 3-14 September 2018 specs.ibecbarcelona.eu/bcbt2018 -- Vicky Vouloutsi, PhD Postdoc Researcher at the laboratory for Synthetic Perceptive, Emotive and Cognitive Systems (SPECS <http://specs-lab.com/>) mail: vvouloutsi(a)ibecbarcelona.eu <mailto:vvouloutsi@ibecbarcelona.eu> LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-vouloutsi-28496133/> researchgate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Vasiliki_Vouloutsi>

July 5, 2018

Conducting Interviews at FENS 2018 in Berlin for Neural Engineer / Neuroscientist Opening

by Zanos, Theodoros

We will be at FENS 2018 in Berlin conducting interviews from the 7th to the 12th of July - if interested email tzanos(a)northwell.edu<mailto:tzanos@northwell.edu> with your CV/resume to schedule an interview. Associate Engineer (MS Level) / Postdoctoral Fellow / Neural Engineer The Neural Decoding and Data Analytics Lab at the Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research is currently recruiting for a Neural Engineer / Neuroscientist (multiple levels). The lab focuses on neural recordings and data analysis methods to gain insights into decoding and encoding mechanisms of the brain and peripheral nerves to and from stimuli, actions and other physiological functions. The lab utilizes a variety of techniques from signal processing, machine learning, optimization, neurophysiology and bioelectronic systems for closed-loop neural recording and stimulation, both in health and in disease models. The ultimate goal is to develop neuromodulation therapies that will observe the state of the organism and the organ system that is targeted, to deliver individualized treatment of diseases in real-time. The successful candidate will develop computational tools, take part in neurophysiology experiments and collect, organize and analyze data, collaborate with other research staff and publish and present data in a timely manner. They will also work collaboratively with other investigators to facilitate their scientific research and training. Furthermore, they will participate in various types of institute and community activities and may apply for grant funding and/or patents as appropriate. Job Responsibilities Include: Develops computational tools for neuroscience research. Perform neurophysiology experiments Performs bioelectronic medicine research. Collaborates with other research staff. Responsible for the planning, collection, organization, analysis and interpretation of research data related to one or more projects Job Type: Full-time Qualifications Associate Engineer (MS Level) - Masters in Engineering, Computer Science or Statistics required Postdoctoral Fellow - Doctorate degree in Engineering, Computer Science or Statistics (Ph.D) required Neural Engineer - Masters in Engineering, Computer Science or Statistics + 3 years of experience required, Doctorate degree preferred Authored/co-authored research papers and/or scientific abstracts, required Experience with various signal processing and machine learning methods, required Strong programming skills of Matlab, required, Python, C++, preferred Research experience in neurophysiology/neuroscience/animal surgery, preferred Knowledge of data analysis software (e.g. Matlab), preferred Theodoros Zanos, PhD Assistant Professor Head, Neural Decoding and Data Analytics Lab Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, Room 1257 The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine 350 Community Drive Manhasset, NY 11030 Tel: (516) 562-0484 Cell: (646) 943-3440 Email: tzanos(a)northwell.edu<mailto:tzanos@northwell.edu> Northwell Health Visit us at Northwell.edu<http://northwell.edu/> [nwh_fi_sm_vrt_pos_rgb 35perc] The information contained in this electronic e-mail transmission and any attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom or to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying or disclosure of this communication and any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and electronic mail, and delete the original communication and any attachment from any computer, server or other electronic recording or storage device or medium. Receipt by anyone other than the intended recipient is not a waiver of any attorney-client, physician-patient or other privilege.

July 5, 2018

“Self-repairing Hardware Paradigms based on Astrocyte-neuron Models” workshop York, UK, 3-5th September 2018

by David Halliday

“Self-repairing Hardware Paradigms based on Astrocyte-neuron Models” is an informal workshop which will be held in the historic city of York from the 3 rd to the 5th of September 2018. The workshop aims to highlight and discuss emerging trends and future directions in the fields of bio-inspired fault tolerant systems, particularly self-repairing spiking neural networks, with applications to autonomous robotic systems (and beyond). The workshop will feature invited position papers from world-leading researchers and industrialists. The workshop website, which includes information on submission and an up-to-date list of invited speakers can be found at https://www.york.ac.uk/spanner-workshop We are currently soliciting abstracts from members of the community who are interested in presenting at this workshop. Abstracts should be no longer than three page of A4 in standard IEEE conference format, and should focus upon the potential for future developments within the field of bio-inspired fault tolerant systems. We welcome contributions that span topics from biological modelling through to hardware and applications. Topics include (but are not restricted to): - Astrocyte-neuron interactions and modelling - Spiking neural networks – models, algorithms and hardware implementations - Training, learning and optimisation in spiking neural networks - Biological models for fault tolerant systems - Implementation of bio-inspired and fault tolerant systems on FPGA - Hardware optimisations for bio-inspired systems - Spiking neural network and bio-inspired controllers for autonomous robotics - Autonomous swarm robotic systems - Fault tolerance in robotic systems - Innovative design techniques for bio-inspired and fault tolerant systems The deadline for submissions is Tuesday 31st July 2018. Please address any questions and submissions to spanner-workshop(a)york.ac.uk Attending the Workshop We welcome attendees from all areas of the bio-inspired and robotics communities. Thanks to funding from the EPSRC, registration is free. We have accommodation for a limited number of places, priority will be given to authors of accepted contributions. We also have a number of student bursaries available, which will provide free accommodation and contribute towards the travel costs of registered PhD students. If you would like to attend, please see the website at https://www.york.ac.uk/spanner-workshop

July 5, 2018

Postdoctoral position on decision neuroscience at Aarhus University and University College London

by Hrvoje Stojic

Postdoctoral position on decision neuroscience at Aarhus University and University College London The Department of Management at Aarhus University and University College London, invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position offering applicants an exciting opportunity to join a new research project on the role of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system in learning and decision making. Application deadline: 15th of July 2018. Starting date: 1st of October 2018 or subject to mutual agreement. This project is funded by Lundbeckfonden (http://www.lundbeckfonden.com) and aims to advance our understanding of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system and neural gain by (i) developing new and inexpensive methods for indexing LC-NE activity in learning and decision making tasks using pupil size (pupillometry) and eye movements, (ii) cross-validate the new method with magnetoencephalography (MEG) signatures of neural gain, and (iii) using these methods to investigate the role of the LC-NE system in balancing the exploration and exploitation in reinforcement learning. Overall, the project aims to advance our understanding of how decision makers balance exploration and exploitation and how they attend to and learn from the environment in doing so. The exploration-exploitation trade-off is relevant in a wide range of situations, for instance, in managerial decision making concerning new investments or in consumer decision making between known and unfamiliar products. Our aim is to build a better understanding of the cognitive processes behind these real world decision problems. The project is a joint collaboration between Jacob L. Orquin at Aarhus University and Ray Dolan at the Max Planck UCL Centre, University College London (UCL) (https://www.mps-ucl-centre.mpg.de/en) The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the overall objectives of the project by being involved in all phases of the project, including formulating research questions, experimental designs, analyses, and writing articles. The position is research-oriented, but may involve teaching assignments depending on the interests of the candidate. The candidate will be based at Aarhus University, but will receive an Honorary contract at University College London as parts of the project will be carried out at the Max Planck UCL Centre and Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging at UCL. The candidate will be affiliated at Aarhus University and the Max Planck UCL Centre, London. It is therefore a requirement that the candidate is willing to be in London for a certain period of the project. Candidates must hold a PhD relevant to the academic areas of the project and have experience with data analysis and programming of experiments in at least one programming language such as R, Python, or Matlab. Experience with one or more of the following research areas is desirable: i) eye tracking and pupillometry ii) neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI or MEG iii) computational modeling such as reinforcement learning iv) basic or applied decision making theory. For further information about the position and the department, please contact Jacob L. Orquin, Tel.: +45 22178621, Email: jalo(a)mgmt.au.dk. See the job posting here: http://www.au.dk/om/stillinger/videnskabelige-stillinger/stillinger/Vacancy… Apply online here: https://ssl1.peoplexs.com/Peoplexs22/CandidatesPortalNoLogin/ApplicationFor…

July 5, 2018