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Quantification of the Function of Criticality: Call for Contributions

by Nergis Tomen

[Apologies if you received this message more than once] Dear Colleagues, We are calling for abstracts for contributions towards a publication on *The Functional Role of Critical Dynamics* *in Neural Systems*. The collection will be published by Springer and will be free of charge for the authors. The main aim of this collection will be to bring together research and ideas linking together criticality in the cortex, dynamical and emergent network states and the putative role such states may serve in the way of function and computational advantages. The intended format of the book is a collection of short and concise chapters focusing around this central theme, in order to allow for many different perspectives to be represented. If you would like take part in this publication, please send an extended abstract summarizing your planned contribution, following the guidelines below, to A. Janssen (*ajanssen**(a)neuro.uni-bremen.de* <ajanssen(a)neuro.uni-bremen.de>) who will be coordinating the communications by *October* *25th*. For details of the planned contents and structure of the full contributions, as well as our expected timeline, please see below. Full papers will be expected by the end of this year. Best wishes, Udo Ernst & Nergis Tomen & Michael Herrmann *Guidelines for your contribution * We are aiming for a publication that will give a broad overview of the state of research linking neuronal avalanches and self-organized criticality (SOC) to neural function and information processing (for the related concepts please see e.g. [Bak, Tang and Wiesenfeld, 1987] and [Beggs and Plenz, 2003]). Due to the computational advantages of simple systems operating close to a phase transition (e.g. [Langton, 1990]), there has been a growing interest in the neuroscience community in the recent years to tackle the question “Can critical dynamics be useful for the brain?”. And this was the central theme of the *Excellence Workshop "Dynamical network states, criticality and cortical function"* that took place on 25-28 March 2017 in Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg, Delmenhorst, Germany ( *http://www.h-w-k.de/index.php?id=2240* <http://www.h-w-k.de/index.php?id=2240>). In light of the positive feedback and interest we received from the community, we are now aiming to bring together different ideas and approaches related to critical dynamics and its potential functional role in cortical information processing, and we are looking forward to your contributions. We will have a two-stage submission process for the authors. The first stage is to submit an extended abstract that can be of any format, but should include a title and contact information of the authors and should begin with a very brief summary of the main message of the contribution. As a guideline it is suggested that the length of the extended abstract is 1 to 4 pages and that it contains 1 to 4 figures. Please submit your abstract to *ajanssen**(a)neuro.uni-bremen.de* <ajanssen(a)neuro.uni-bremen.de> by *October 25th*. Full papers will be requested before the end of this year. The final papers are expected to include an easy-to-follow introduction, one or more well-evidenced claims and a substantial discussion section. The full papers are limited in size to 15-20 pages each (each page about 450 words), including figures and references. There will be LaTeX and MS Word templates provided by Springer for the full contributions. Each contribution will be peer-reviewed by at least 2 colleagues before being published. Each author of a contribution is also expected to act as a reviewer for 2-3 other contributions. We plan to include reviewers from outside the field to provide 'critical' input. Realistically, we estimate that the review process will start in in winter 2017 and end in spring 2018. We expect the submissions to present original research by the authors.This can include new results or review of past research by the authors (for review papers, it is allowed to include research by other persons where suitable, as long as it does not constitute a major part of the contribution). We believe it is important for contributions to put forward a vision or perspective on criticality research. It is important to make connections to the functionality of the concepts described in your contribution (e.g. how do the properties observed in your model/experiments relate to information transfer/processing, behavioural performance, computation, communication and configuration, etc.). Where applicable, it is allowed and encouraged to talk about predictions and theories about how the contents of a contribution may relate to active computation in the cortex, what practical advantages and biological mechanisms they may be linked to as well as what direction future research should take to answer such questions. We encourage the authors to actively try to draw connections between their own research, research of other scientists in their field as well as outside of their field (e.g. discussing ties with experimental results in a theoretical contribution and vice versa). Thank you for considering these guidelines.

Oct. 4, 2017

Start-up EEG hardware and data analytics roles at start-up

by Brian Murphy

BrainWaveBank's mission is to transform how cognitive illness is diagnosed and treated so that people can live longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives. Our 16-channel EEG headset is designed for home-use, and is supported by a platform of tablet-based games and cloud-based analytics to track cognitive performance and health. We are now expanding, and hiring a number of software, hardware and scientific roles into our Dublin and Belfast offices. We are seeking exceptional candidates for these roles (see links below for full details): - Senior EEG Research Engineer, Dublin • Full-time - EEG Research Engineer, Dublin • Full-time - Machine Learning Engineer, Dublin • Full-time - Cognitive Neuroscientist, Dublin • Full-time - EEG Hardware Design Lead, Belfast • Full-time - Full Cloud Stack SW Engineer, Belfast • Full-time - Senior Mobile Developer (Android), Belfast • Full-time - Trial Manager, Belfast • Full-time View full details of the roles and apply through: https://www.indeedjobs.com/brainwavebank/_hl/en_GB Learn more about the team and mission: http://www.brainwavebank.com -- Dr. Brian Murphy Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer BrainWaveBank Ltd M: +44 7716 686654 M: +353 86 0666732 E: brian(a)brainwavebank.com Twitter: @brainwavebank www.brainwavebank.com The information contained in this email transmission is confidential and may be privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, dissemination, distribution, publication, or copying of the information contained in this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please immediately notify us by telephone at +44 028 9264 6600 or email info(a)brainwavebank.com and delete the email from your system. Thank you for your co-operation. BrainWaveBank Ltd is a limited company registered in Northern Ireland. Registered number: NI628481. Registered office: 32-36 Dublin Road, Belfast BT2 7HN.

Oct. 4, 2017

Postdoc/programmer position at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology

by Erik De Schutter

The Computational Neuroscience unit (https://groups.oist.jp/cnu) at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher or technician in software development and computational modeling of stochastic neuronal reaction-diffusion processes. Initial duration is two years with an option to extend. The hired postdoctoral researcher or technician is expected to make valuable contributions to the STEPS project (http://steps.sourceforge.net) in two ways: 1) by researching molecular neuronal processes and designing novel techniques and routines for accurate computational modeling of such systems, and 2) contributing to realistic applications of the new techniques in biological modeling studies. In performing these tasks, the candidate is expected to contribute to publications that are either based on theory and computational techniques, or geared more towards answering real biological questions through computational modeling. As such the ideal candidate will have a scientific background but also possess good programming skills. There will be many opportunities to interact with other STEPS developers in our lab and also other researchers working on related cerebellar projects, and also to collaborate on STEPS development with the Blue Brain Project, EPFL, Geneva. Competences: For the postdoctoral position a recent PhD is required in a relevant discipline such as neuroscience, molecular biology, biophysics, biochemistry, and for a technician a masters degree is required in a similar discipline or computer science. For either position, we require a talented programmer with experience in C++ and Python. In satisfying these criteria, it is expected that the candidate has some experience of modeling neuronal or other biological processes computationally, but this is not essential if the candidate has a strong enough interest in moving into the field. Fluent English conversation and writing skills are required. Benefits / Offer: A competitive salary and relocation package are offered. This an ideal position to gain experience in a prominent computational neuroscience lab. Contributions of technicians are honored by authorship on relevant publications. Please contact Prof. Erik De Schutter (erik(a)oist.jp) for inquiries.

Oct. 4, 2017

Postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience at UCSD

by Maxim Bazhenov

Applications are invited for post-doctoral research position in the laboratory of Dr. Maxim Bazhenov (http://www.bazhlab.ucsd.edu/) at the University of California, San Diego to study role of sleep in memory and learning. The ultimate goal of the project is to understand how the interaction among brain areas during sleep leads to consolidation of memory for recent learning and how sensory or electrical stimulation can enhance memory consolidation. This project involves close collaboration with several experimental laboratories. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design of the anatomically realistic brain network models based on experimental data. These models will be applied to understand network dynamics that are involved in the processes of memory consolidation, to design optimal stimulation approaches, to guide data analysis and to make predictions for future experimental studies. Qualified applicants are expected to have experience in computational/theoretical neuroscience and neural modeling. Programming experience with C/C++ is required. Knowledge of PYTHON and MATLAB is a significant plus. The University of California offers excellent benefits. Salary is based on research experience. Applicants should send a brief statement of research interests, a CV and the names of three references to Maxim Bazhenov at mbazhenov(a)ucsd.edu -- Maxim Bazhenov, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Medicine, Neurosciences Graduate Program, UCSD, School of Medicine http://www.bazhlab.ucsd.edu/

Oct. 3, 2017

PhD positions at the Univ. of Leicester (for UK/EU candidates only)

by Quian Quiroga, Rodrigo (Prof.)

Fully Funded PhD Studentships (for UK/EU candidates only) Centre for Systems Neuroscience, University of Leicester, UK. www.le.ac.uk/csn The Centre for Systems Neuroscience at the University of Leicester, UK, offers up to 2, 3-Year Fully Funded (stipend plus fees) PhD positions for UK/EU candidates, to study single cell recordings in humans – performed in epileptic patients for curative surgery. The project will investigate concept cells (a.k.a. Jennifer Aniston neurons) – that means, neurons in the hippocampus and surrounding areas that selectively fire to specific concepts, like different pictures and the written or spoken name of a particular person (e.g. Quian Quiroga et al, Nature 2005; Quian Quiroga Nature Reviews Neuroscience 2012), which are involved in declarative memory functions. The successful candidate will contribute to performing recordings with patients in collaborating hospitals and the analysis of the data to investigate the role of these neurons in memory formation. Candidates should have very good quantitative skills (data processing, and programing in Matlab), a strong background in neuroscience and, ideally, good experience with neurophysiology recordings. They should be able to work both independently and as part of a research team within the Centre for System Neuroscience at Leicester and with our external collaborators. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Valeria Zonato, Research Centre Manager, vz12(a)le.ac.uk or 0116 252 3249. Interested candidates should send their curriculum vitae and a brief description of their scientific interests to Valeria Zonato (vz12(a)le.ac.uk<mailto:vz12@le.ac.uk>). The closing date for the applications is Friday 6th October 2017.

Oct. 3, 2017

APA Technology, Mind, & Society Conference - Submissions due Oct 20

by Jeff Krichmar

Dear Colleagues, This upcoming APA conference on Technology, Mind, & Society may be of interest to many of you. Keynote speakers include Cynthia Breazeal (MIT, Jibo Inc.), Justine Cassell (CMU), Eric Horvitz (Microsoft Research Labs), and Alex "Sandy” Pentland (MIT). Paper submissions are due October 20th. See:http://pages.apa.org/tms/ Best regards, Jeff Krichmar Department of Cognitive Sciences 2328 Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA 92697-5100 jkrichma(a)uci.edu http://www.socsci.uci.edu/~jkrichma The American Psychological Association will hold an interdisciplinary conference on Technology, Mind, and Society in Washington, D.C., on April 5-7, 2018. Scientists, practitioners, policymakers, and students from around the world are invited to participate in the event. The conference will provide a venue for reporting and assessing current efforts to understand and shape the interactions of human beings and technology, for identifying priorities for future work, and for promoting exchange and collaboration among participants. The conference will feature four keynote speakers: Cynthia Breazeal (MIT), Justine Cassell (Carnegie Mellon), Eric Horvitz (Microsoft Research), and Sandy Pentland (MIT). APA invites you and your colleagues and students to submit papers, symposia, and posters for this conference, which will be organized around the following broad themes: • Basic research: How humans understand and use technology, impacts of technology on human experience and behavior, human-technology interactions as mutually adaptive systems, role of technology in advancing other areas of scientific research, and related topics. • Foundations of technology design: Development of technologies informed by psychological, behavioral, and social science research. • Applications: Development, use, and impact of specific technologies in domains such as aging, education, mental and physical health, recreation, and the workplace. • Broader implications: Ethical and policy questions concerning the opportunities and challenges arising from human-technology interactions. The deadline for submissions is October 20, 2017. The conference is open to researchers, professionals, and students in all relevant areas, including psychology and other behavioral and social sciences, neuroscience, computer science, engineering, design, health research, education research, city and regional planning, public policy, history of science and technology, and philosophy. The conference aims to address the full range of contemporary and emerging technologies. These include but are not limited to artificial intelligence, robotics, mobile devices, social media, virtual/augmented reality, gaming, geographic information systems, autonomous vehicles, and biomedical technologies (e.g., brain-machine interfaces, genetic engineering). APA is sponsoring the conference in cooperation with the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) and the Association for Computing Machinery — Special Interest Group for Computer-Human Interaction (ACM SIGCHI). We look forward to seeing you at the Technology, Mind, and Society Conference! For additional information, see the conference website (http://pages.apa.org/tms/) If you have any questions, please contact the APA Science Directorate (science(a)apa.org)

Oct. 1, 2017

Postdoc in computational neuroscience of consciousness

by Srivas Chennu

In the School of Computing at the University of Kent (UK), we are seeking to recruit a Research Associate to work on the computational neuroscience of consciousness. This post is part of the EPSRC project "A Computational Prototype for Electroencephalographic Brain Connectomics" awarded to Dr. Srivas Chennu. This exciting project sits at the interface of signal processing, machine learning and neuroscience. More information is available at the link below: https://www.cs.kent.ac.uk/people/staff/sc785/mohawk.html This role will involve: • Develop a computational prototype for electroencephalographic brain connectomics for discriminating states of awareness and use real datasets and develop simulations to test and validate the prototype. • Working with the PI, interact with collaborators at partner sites to explore deployment of the prototype at the bedside of patients with disorders of consciousness • Communicate and disseminate project outcomes in academic publications, scientific conferences, technical reports, web-based platforms and social media You will play a key role in this project, focusing on the development of the software prototype. In addition to working closely with Dr. Chennu, you will interact regularly with clinicians and neuroscientists at the Universities of Cambridge and Liége. Both partners have made available a large dataset of EEG acquired from patients and controls, which will be used to test and validate the prototype to be developed here. You will be supported in your role by Dr. Chennu, in addition to PhD students in the research group, and will be able to access the broad-ranging expertise available across other members of the Data Science group and the School of Computing. This is a fixed term post (to start in Jan 2018, date negotiable) and will provide the successful candidate with a rich collaborative environment: it is positioned within the recently formed Data Science group at the University of Kent, and will involve close collaboration with external partners at the Universities of Cambridge and Liège (Belgium). To succeed in this role you will: • A PhD in Computer Science/Neuroscience, or be near completion • Experience of EEG/MEG Signal Processing, Machine Learning in Neuroscience and MATLAB and/or Python in Neuroscience • Experience of working in a research environment and the ability to liaise with other external partners *The School of Computing* at Kent is a welcoming and supportive environment that has recently been recognised with a Bronze Athena SWAN award. We are a well-balanced, inclusive and diverse community that aims to further enhance our achievements and reputation in teaching, research and innovation. Start date for applications: 29 September 2017 Closing date for applications: 05 November 2017 Interviews are to be held: 29 November 2017 Please see the link below to view the full job description and also to apply for this post. If you require further information about this post/project please contact the PI, Dr. Srivas Chennu at sc785(a)kent.ac.uk. For any questions regarding the application process please contact The Resourcing Team on jobs(a)kent.ac.uk quoting ref number: STM0847 https://www11.i-grasp.com/fe/tpl_kent01.asp?s=4A515F4E5A565B1A&jobid=41306, 5425238748&key=50937013&c=223465364822&pagestamp=sewzjjuhsdmqkvijvz

Sept. 30, 2017

Post-doctoral Research Scientist in Cochlear Implant Research, Psychoacoustics and Virtual Acoustics

by Seeber, Bernhard

Dear List, we are inviting applications for a post-doctoral research scientist to join our team in cochlear implant research, psychoacoustics and/or virtual acoustics. Main responsibilities are: - Research on binaural hearing and auditory scene analysis with normal hearing listeners and/or users of cochlear implants and/or - Development of techniques for and experiments in interactive audio-visual virtual reality - Development of listening tests and statistical analysis of the results - Publication in English-language scientific journals and presentations at conferences - Supervision of student projects, assistance with teaching and with raising external funding. The position is full time and will start at the earliest convenient date. We offer... you the opportunity to join an interdisciplinary team, to work with up-to-date technical equipment including an anechoic chamber hosting a virtual reality system, and to learn about the latest methods in hearing research. Our close interaction with the Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience Munich (www.bccn-munich.de) the Munich School of BioEngineering (www.bioengineering.tum.de) the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (www.gsn.uni-muenchen.de) the Hearing Research Network Munich, our extensive cooperation with industry and with scientific partners, and the numerous courses offered at TUM create an attractive environment with excellent perspectives for personal development. Please find further information at www.aip.ei.tum.de. Employment is according to the state employees salary scheme (TV-L/E13) and is initially for 1 year with the option for extension. Women are explicitly encouraged to apply. Severely handicapped persons will be favored if they are equally qualified. In principle, the position could also be filled part-time. Munich - the city famous for the Oktoberfest, high-end cars and its unique location to the Alps - is a bustling, international and interesting place to live which also offers a wide range of opportunities to engage in cultural and leisurely activities - from opera to skiing. Interested? I look forward to answering your questions on the phone (+49 89 289 28282) or by email. Please send your expressive application stating research interests preferably by email no later than 31 October 2017 to: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernhard Seeber Professorship for Audio Information Processing Technical University of Munich Arcisstrasse 21 80333 Munich Germany Email: aip(a)ei.tum.de. For further information about the post, including qualification requirements, please visit www.aip.ei.tum.de. Kind regards, Bernhard Seeber -- DAGA Conference Munich, 19.-22. March 2018 http://2018.daga-tagung.de/ Note: Abstract submission deadline: 01.11.2017 Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernhard U. Seeber Professor of Audio Information Processing Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technical University of Munich Arcisstrasse 21 D-80333 Munich, Germany Office: +49 89 289-28282 Fax: +49 89 289-28211 Mobile: +49 (0)174 928 6338 Visitors: Theresienstrasse 90, building N5, room N6504 Web: www.aip.ei.tum.de www.bseeber.de

Sept. 29, 2017

PhD Studentship in Computer Science -- University of Surrey, UK

by a.gruning＠surrey.ac.uk

% PhD Studentship in Computer Science % Studentship start date: January 2018 % Application deadline: September 30, 2017 # Funding amount Fee waiver and a stipend of £16,000 per annum for a Home (UK/EU) student # Position Summary Applications are invited for a cutting-edge 3-year Ph.D. project in the Department of Computer Science, University of Surrey, UK in a number of areas, including machine learning especially deep learning and neural networks, complex systems, and evolutionary computation, with application to biomedicine, transport, security and design optimisation. Applications are particularly welcome to one of the following highlighted projects: 1. Neural networks for biomedicine. The project will focus on constructing a framework for the formulation of bio-inspired learning rules for deep learning neural networks. Its aim is to develop a mathematical and conceptual framework within which bio-inspired learning algorithms can be formulated clearly and concisely for ease of their application, understanding, and generalisation. This project will build upon an ongoing project, namely the Human Brain Project (HBP), a multi-billion Flagship project funded by the EU Horizon 2020. This project area will be co-supervised by Dr Clive Cheong Took and Dr André Grüning. 2. Modelling and controlling the dynamics and time evolution of complex systems. The aim of this PhD is to develop a computational framework for maximising the effect of external interventions in a complex system, and do so in a predictable and trusted manner. Such systems include: transportation networks; social networks; multi-modal patient care systems; social-ecological systems; and many others where there are no single points of control or failure. The core objective is to bring together formal verification and machine learning and develop approaches that allow model checking and scenario appraisal in complex systems. This project area will be co-supervised by Dr Sotiris Moschoyiannis and Dr Clive Cheong Took. For more about the NICE group, see http://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/research/nice. # Department of Computer Science The Department of Computer Science at the University of Surrey, within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, has an international reputation for research and teaching. Our research excellence is reflected from the fact that Surrey’s research in computer science has been consistently ranked World Top 150 and UK Top 10 in the SJTU ARWU Subject Ranking in Computer Science since 2012. Similarly, Surrey’s Computer Science subject is ranked at 6 th position in the UK according to the latest Guardian University Guide 2018, which focuses more on teaching excellence. Research in the Department is focused on two main areas: Nature Inspired Computing and Engineering (NICE) and Secure Systems. The NICE group is internationally leading in the area of evolutionary computation, machine learning, brain-inspired computing and complex systems with application to optimisation, data analytics, image processing, swarm robotics, healthcare and bioinformatics. The Secure Systems 1 International (non-UK/EU) students are also eligible to apply, but will be expected to bring additional funding to cover the difference (currently £14,815 per year) between UK/EU and international fees: see https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgr-fees. # Qualifications To apply you should have at least an upper second class honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in Computer Science, or a suitable technical science or engineering subject such as Computer Engineering and Electronic Engineering. Preference will be given to those with appropriate MSc or equivalent research/industrial experience in relevant areas. Experience in a relevant area is not required, but advantageous. The candidate is expected to have solid mathematical knowledge, including calculus and linear algebra. Hands-on skills in one of the programming languages is expected, such as Matlab, Python, Java, or C/C++. In addition, the applicant must have good communication skills and be fluent in English. We look for a candidate that is self-motivated, engaging, and is a team player. # Application Procedure The application process requires the submission of a CV, two letters of recommendation or contact information of two referees, copies of degree certificates and transcripts from all university-level courses taken. More information about how to apply can be found in the Computer Science PhD page by clicking on the ‘apply online’ button. In addition to the above, as part of your application, you are also required to upload the following documents: - Statement of purpose (1-3 pages) where you introduce yourself, explain why you want to pursue a PhD, present your qualifications and describe your future research plans; - Research proposal describing your research area of interest and motivation in one of the relevant areas. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted directly to arrange a suitable time for an interview. For any questions regarding the application process or an informal discussion about the position especially the highlighted projects, please contact the named supervisors of the specific project given before. For more general queries about the studentship contact Dr Andre Gruning <a.gruning(a)surrey.ac.uk> Surrey continuously strives to be an attractive employer. We acknowledge, understand and embrace diversity. # Useful links: Potential PhD Supervisors and their research interest and publications: - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/people/clive_cheong_took/ - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/people/andre_gruning/ - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/people/sotiris_moschoyiannis/ - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/people/yaochu_jin - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/people/paul_krause - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/people/hongying_tang PhD in Computer Science at Surrey: - http://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/computer-science-phd - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/department-computer-science/study/postgraduate-res… - https://www.surrey.ac.uk/department-computer-science/study/postgraduate-res… The NICE group - http://www.surrey.ac.uk/cs/research/nice -- Brief? Here's why: http://emailcharter.org<http://emailcharter.org/> Dr Andre Gruning Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) Postgraduate Research Director Department of Computer Science University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH United Kingdom

Sept. 29, 2017

NIH/NSF funded postdoc (U Penn/U Houston/CU Boulder)

by Zachary Kilpatrick

We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join an NIH/NSF funded interdisciplinary project that includes Joshua Gold (University of Pennsylvania), Krešo Josić (University of Houston), and Zack Kilpatrick (University of Colorado, Boulder). Our aim is to understand how the brain accumulates evidence in dynamic environments. The project is guided by the overriding hypothesis that brain networks involved in decision-making computations incorporate learned expectations of the environment to implement adaptive decision-making. We seek a candidate who can work at the interface of experimental, computational, and theoretical neuroscience. As part of an interdisciplinary team, The candidate will develop models of neural circuits that approximate normative evidence accumulation in dynamic environments. The candidate will also help to validate these models, using behavioral data from humans and neural recordings from primates performing dynamic decision tasks. For further information please contact Krešimir Josić (josic(a)math.uh.edu <mailto:josic@math.uh.edu>) or Zack Kilpatrick (zpkilpat(a)colorado.edu <mailto:zpkilpat@colorado.edu>)

Sept. 28, 2017

Winter School on Deterministic & Stochastic Models in Neuroscience in Toulouse: December 11 to 15, 2017

by Zachary Kilpatrick

We are glad to announce that from the 11th to the 15th of December 2017 will take place a Winter School on Deterministic and Stochastic Models in Neuroscience at the Institut de Mathématiques de Toulouse in France. The main objective of this event is to organise a winter school around stochastic and deterministic models arising in neuroscience by providing a series of lectures given by internationally reknown speakers for a broad audience (graduate students, PhD students, Postdoctorates, researchers and professors) along with specific research talks. This winter school will showcase some recent and ongoing modeling problems in neuroscience with a strong emphasis on the stochastic and deterministic methods developped to treat them. There will be two lectures dedicated to stochastic methods and two for deterministic ones. The research talks will complement and enlarge these courses with for example topcis on neural field equations, numerical methods or kinetic models of neuronal networks. The webpage of the event can be found here: http://www.cimi.univ-toulouse.fr/mib/en/School-DSMN <http://www.cimi.univ-toulouse.fr/mib/en/School-DSMN> Please note that there will be financial support for a selected number of students (graduate students, PhD students, Post-doctorates) covering local expenses: hotel, metro tickets and food. Students can apply here: http://www.cimi.univ-toulouse.fr/en/registration-winter-school-deterministi… <http://www.cimi.univ-toulouse.fr/en/registration-winter-school-deterministi…> The registration for the winter school is free but mandatory. Lunches and a diner buffet will be covered by the conference. Scientific organizers Patrick Cattiaux & Grégory Faye

Sept. 28, 2017

Theoretical/Statistical Neuroscience Faculty Openings at Columbia

by Allison Ong

Dear Colleague, Columbia has announced a search for two faculty positions in theoretical/statistical neuroscience that are described below (also attached). We would appreciate it if you could forward this information to any interested candidates. We will start to evaluate applications on December 1, 2017. Here is a link to the announcement and the site for applying: academicjobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=65051 Thanks and Best Wishes, Larry Abbott and Liam Paninski *Two Junior Faculty Position in Theoretical / Statistical Neuroscience* The Department of Neuroscience, the Department of Statistics, and the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University invite applications for two tenure-track positions at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, to begin in 2018. One position will focus on theoretical neuroscience with an appointment in the Department of Neuroscience. The other position will focus on the application of statistics to neuroscience with an appointment in the Department of Statistics. Both positions will include appointments as well as office and laboratory space in the Center for Theoretical Neuroscience and the Grossman Center of the Statistics of Mind within the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute housed in the Jerome L. Greene Science Center at Columbia. The Zuckerman Institute brings together scientists from diverse backgrounds whose research focuses on brain function, wiring, and development. We are seeking dynamic scientists interested in exploiting this multidisciplinary environment by interacting with Zuckerman Institute faculty as well as with others in the Columbia neuroscience, biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and machine learning communities, including the Data Science Institute. Zuckerman Institute faculty will function as full members of their home departments: tenure will be granted by the home department and faculty will contribute to teaching in their home departments and the Zuckerman Institute. Candidates will be expected to show expertise and an ability to lead a research program in theoretical and/or statistical neuroscience. Applicants are expected to have a strong record of scientific achievement and to demonstrate the ability to engage in innovative research and teaching. Applicants should hold a PhD in neuroscience, statistics, or a related area. Applications should be submitted through this link: academicjobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=65051 The following documents should be uploaded with your application: cover letter, CV, research plan, teaching statement, three letters of reference or a listing of at least three references that can be contacted, and the inclusion of one or two publications. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. We will start to evaluate applications on December 1, 2017. Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer --Race/Gender/Disability/Veteran.

Sept. 28, 2017

Postdoctoral position in theoretical neuroscience at NYU

by Cristina Savin

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral scholar position in the Savin group at NYU. We are looking for an innovative and enthusiastic researcher with a strong quantitative background (e.g. Math, Physics, Computer Science) and experience in Neuroscience research and/or Machine Learning. The lab uses theoretical tools based on machine learning and statistics to study the neural correlates of learning and memory at the circuit level. For information about recent publications and ongoing projects see: www.cns.nyu.edu/~csavin <http://www.cns.nyu.edu/~csavin> Potential topics include: - probabilistic computation in neural circuits and its neural signatures, with a focus on learning - circuit level models of memory that aim to explain human memory behavior The postdoc will be part of a large and intellectually vibrant community of researchers from the Center for Neuroscience and the Centre for Data Science at NYU. The position is funded for 2 years, with an initial one-year appointment and expectation of extension contingent on satisfactory progress. Please submit your application to csavin(a)nyu.edu <mailto:csavin@nyu.edu> including: - CV - a statement of research interests - contact details of three people that are familiar with your work

Sept. 27, 2017

Postdoctoral position in Virtual Neuroprosthesis

by Emmanuelle Tognoli

http://www.ccs.fau.edu/~tognoli/virtualNeuroprosthesis.html The BioRobotics Lab at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) invites applications for a NIH NIBIB-funded Postdoctoral position to develop a Virtual Neuroprosthesis aimed at providing a sense of touch in amputees and limb-absent people. Candidates should have a PhD in one of the following degrees: mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, bioengineering or related, with interest and/or experience in transdisciplinary work at the intersection of robotic hands, biology, and biomedical systems. Prior experience in the neural field will be considered an advantage, though not a necessity. Underrepresented minorities and women are warmly encouraged to apply. The postdoctoral researcher will be co-advised across the department of Mechanical Engineering and the Center for Complex Systems & Brain Sciences through an interdisciplinary team whose expertise spans Robotics, Microfluidics, Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience and Orthopedic Surgery. The position will be for one year with a possibility of extension based on performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The application should include: (1) a cover letter with research interests and experiences, (2) a CV, (3) names and contact information for three professional references. Qualified candidates should send contact: tognoli(a)ccs.fau.edu -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

Sept. 27, 2017

PostDoctoral Position at the LMU (Munich) : dissection of functional cortical network dynamics

by Anton Sirota

*Post-Doctoral* position is available *immediately* at the laboratory of Prof. Anton Sirota at the Ludwig-Maximilians University München (Germany) for the research project that is part of international interdisciplinary collaborative research consortium BrainCom (http://www.braincom-project.eu) The goal of the project is to identify decoding capacity of the network dynamics across cortical circuits derived from the multichannel surface and depth cortical field potential recordings for applications to neuroprosthetics. As a corollary, we aim to develop, for the first time, experimentally-derived circuit-level forward model for the depth and surface cortical field potentials. The project will combine extracellular recordings using newly-developed very large scale high density multichannel arrays with optogenetic circuit-specific manipulation and quantitative behavior analysis in rodents, as well as novel analytical approaches. Project will be integrated into diverse and innovative research program of the Sirota lab (http://cogneuro.bio.lmu.de) Our laboratory is part of Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience Munich (http://www.bccn-munich.de) Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (http://www.synergy-munich.de) and the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (http://www.gsn.uni-muenchen.de) Applicants are expected to be highly motivated, hard working, creative and capable of independent, analytical and critical thinking. PhD in neuroscience and a strong background in physics, computer science or engineering are required. Solid experience in in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics and computational neuroscience is highly desirable. Strong quantitative and technical skills are a must. Good knowledge of signal processing and machine learning is a plus. Proficiency in English and good written and oral communication skills are a prerequisite. Good social and teamwork, as well as excellent organizational skills, are expected. Candidates are expected to have first author peer-reviewed publication record. Employment is according to the state employees salary scheme (TV-L/E13) and is initially for 1 year with the option for extension.Candidate selection will be open until the position is filled. LMU Munich is an equal opportunity employer. Applications of women and disabled persons, given similar qualification, are preferred. Applications should include a full CV, a 1 page statement of past experience, research interests, and career goals, along with contact information of at least 2 referees. Please, send your application electronically as a single PDF file to Dr Anton Sirota at sirota(a)bio.lmu.de

Sept. 27, 2017

Postdoctoral positions in theoretical neuroscience

by Brent Doiron

The Doiron group at the University of Pittsburgh (www.math.pitt.edu/~bdoiron) is currently seeking up to two postdoctoral fellows to work on cutting edge problems in theoretical neuroscience. Research topics include: 1) The genesis and consequences of neuronal variability in cortical networks 2) Biologically realistic modeling of assembly formation in cortical circuits 3) How learning and memory impact population codes All projects will involve heavy collaboration with several prominent experimental groups (primate and rodent) both in Pittsburgh as well as abroad. The positions are 3-year terms (contingent upon satisfactory progress) with competitive salary and benefits packages offered by the University of Pittsburgh. The successful candidate will join the Mathematics department at the University of Pittsburgh (www.math.pitt.edu) and will have strong ties to the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition in Pittsburgh (http://www.cnbc.cmu.edu) Candidates should have a Ph.D. in computational neuroscience, mathematics, physics, or engineering and have an excellent track record of scholarship. The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from under-represented groups. Interested persons should send their CV, a cover letter stating research interests and career goals, and names and contact information of two references to bdoiron(a)pitt.edu . The competition will remain open until the positions are filled. Best Brent -- Professor of Mathematics Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition University of Pittsburgh 301 Thackeray Hall Pittsburgh, PA, 15260 www.math.pitt.edu/~bdoiron

Sept. 27, 2017

Job Announcement: Computational Neuroscience RA

by Stacie Warren

Dear Colleagues, A Computational Neuroscience Research Assistant position is currently available at Palo Alto University to support the Clinical Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Programs directed by Stacie L. Warren, PhD and Tilman Schulte, PhD. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a range of cognitive and affective studies that focus on executive function, emotion regulation, stress responsivity, reward processing, and aging on neural circuitry. Populations of interest include healthy adults, adults with or at risk for developing psychopathology, and neurological disorders. Opportunities to develop and apply novel data analysis techniques, to co-author research publications, and to assist with similar studies in children through a partnership with Stanford University are also available. Primary Responsibilities: Developing software/scripts to implement algorithms for data quality control, preprocessing, analysis, and management. Developing and implementing statistical/mathematical modeling (e.g., machine learning algorithms) to characterize high-dimensional datasets. Assisting with analyzing neuroimaging research data using neuroimaging-specific programs and/or software (e.g., FSL, Freesurfer, SPM, AFNI). Qualifications: BA/BS in a relevant field by the time of appointment. Proficiency in programming (e.g., Matlab, Python, C/C++, java) and shell scripting. Proficiency with Linux OS and file system. Experience with any of the following: signal and image processing, machine learning, statistical/mathematical modeling. Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills are required. Strong background in biomedical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, computational neuroscience, quantitative psychology, or related subjects. Experience in neuroimaging data analysis is desired. A two-year commitment is required. This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits. To apply, send a CV, a cover letter stating your research interests and career goals, and contact information for three references to swarren(a)paloaltou.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately. -- Stacie L. Warren, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program Palo Alto University 1791 Arastradero Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94304 email: swarren(a)paloaltou.edu <staciewarren3(a)gmail.com>

Sept. 26, 2017

Postdoctoral positions in neural coding - IIT Rovereto, Italy

by Stefano Panzeri

We are seeking candidates for up to three postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience in the Neural Computation Laboratory at the IIT ( http://cncs.iit.it/labs/neural-computation ) directed by Stefano Panzeri ( https://www.iit.it/people/stefano-panzeri) and located in Rovereto (Trento), Italy. This laboratory aims to crack the neural code using neural network modeling and computational analyses of neurophysiological experiments. The laboratory offers a range of strongly interdisciplinary expertise in computational neuroscience, including information theory and other types of advanced single-trial neural analyses, advanced spectral analysis, and biophysically plausible neural network modeling. The successful candidate will develop and use tools for the analysis of large-scale simultaneous recordings of the spiking activity of cells in the cortex to understand how populations of neurons carry information. The successful candidate would have the opportunity to benefit from an extensive set of existing collaborations with leading neurophysiological laboratories, including those of Nikos Logothetis at Max Planck Tubingen (collaborating on oscillations, sensory information coding and neuromodulation), Tommaso Fellin at IIT (collaborating on Optogenetics, Neurophysiology and Neural coding), Mathew Diamond at SISSA (collaborating on the behavioral impact of information carried by spike timing), and Christopher Harvey at Harvard Medical School (collaborating on neural population dynamics and decision making). We are willing to consider candidates interested in any of the aspects of neural coding of interest to the laboratory. Candidates must hold a PhD in a numerate scientific discipline. They must be highly motivated and creative individuals who want to work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research environment and be willing to interact with both experimental and theoretical neuroscientists. For reference to recent work of the lab please see : Runyan C. A., et al (2017) Distinct timescales of population coding across cortex, Nature: 548: 92-96. Panzeri S., et al (2017) Cracking the neural code for sensory perception by combining statistics, intervention and behaviour. Neuron 93: 491-507 Safaai, H., et al (2015) Modelling the effect of Locus Coeruleous firing on single trial cortical state dynamics and sensory processing. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 112(41): 12834–12839 Zuo Y, et al (2015) Spike timing and spike rate make complementary contributions to perceptual decisions in rat S1 and S2 cortex. Current Biology 25: 357-363 Besserve M, et al (2015) Shifts of gamma phase across primary visual cortical sites reflect dynamic stimulus- modulated information transfer. PLoS Biology 13(9): e1002257 The formal deadline for applications is Oct 15th 2017. However, interested candidates are advised to contact informally Stefano Panzeri ( stefano.panzeri(a)iit.it) *as soon as possible*. The formal application should be sent by email to selezioni(a)iit.it and to Stefano Panzeri (*stefano.panzeri(a)iit.it) <stefano.panzeri(a)iit.it)>*. The formal application should contain the applicant’s CV, a brief statement of research interests, and names and email addresses of 2 or 3 referees. Thanks Stefano Panzeri

Sept. 26, 2017

postdoctoral positions in brain-inspired computing at Sandia National Laboratories

by Chance, Frances S.

**apologies for the multiple emails from Sandia – this is an advertisement for a separate postdoctoral position than the computational neuroscience postdoc that was advertised last week. I’m very excited to see the neuroscience community at Sandia grow - I think a number of persons on this list have appropriate backgrounds for either position and would encourage those persons to apply to both. Colleagues, We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on state-of-the-art computational and mathematical approaches and applications for brain-inspired computing. The neural computing group includes researchers with expertise in machine learning, cognitive science, neuroscience, physics, engineering, mathematics, and data analytics. Current research topics of interest include developing neural models and novel adaptive machine learning algorithms, as well as applying machine learning to develop new neuromorphic computing approaches. Some information on Sandia's neural-inspired computing research can be found at http://neuroscience.sandia.gov/. To apply, visit http://www.sandia.gov/careers/ and click "View All Jobs". Enter "658203" into the search box to locate this posting. For questions please contact William Severa (wmsever(a)sandia.gov<mailto:wmsever@sandia.gov<mailto:wmsever@sandia.gov%3cmailto:wmsever@sandia.gov>>) or Craig Vineyard (cmviney(a)sandia.gov<mailto:cmviney@sandia.gov<mailto:cmviney@sandia.gov%3cmailto:cmviney@sandia.gov>>). Additionally, we also encourage potential applicants to consider several of Sandia's laboratory wide fellowships for recent PhD graduates, including the John von Neumann Fellowship (http://www.sandia.gov/careers/students_postdocs/fellowships/johnvonneumann_…) in computational sciences and the inaugural Jill Hruby Fellowship (http://www.sandia.gov/careers/students_postdocs/fellowships/hruby_fellowshi…) While an offer of employment is not contingent upon receiving one of these fellowships, a number of them do have deadlines in the coming months.

Sept. 25, 2017

Research Associate in Functional Brain Mapping

by Dheeraj Rathee

*Dear All,* *Research Associate in Functional Brain Mapping * Applications are invited for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in functional brain mapping (FBM) to work on a project aimed at discovering neuromarkers that facilitate stratification of patients with Alzheimer´s disease. The position is currently for 2 years, with possibility for further extension subject to securing funder’s approval. *Ref*( http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BEA525/research-associate-in-functional-brain-map… ) : 2752/ 1672326 *Location:* Ulster University, Magee campus, Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK. *Salary*: £27,300 to £40,015 *Closing Date*: 4th October 2017 *Duties: *The successful candidate will use MEG data recorded during cognitive tasks, stimulations, and resting state protocols to explore functional connectivity and other appropriate measures for characterizing individuals with different stages of AD and detecting individuals at the risk of developing AD. S/he will also develop and evaluate methods for assessing treatment effects on individuals with AD in collaboration with industry. *Northern Ireland Functional Brain Mapping (NIFBM) facility: *The NIFBM is located at the Intelligent Systems Research Centre ( https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/institutes/computer-science/groups/intell… ) of Ulster University, Magee campus, Derry~Londonderry. It is the only brain imaging facility anywhere in Ireland and only one of nine in whole of UK to use a state-of-the-art magnetoencephalography (MEG) to measure brain activity. The facility attracts clinicians and researchers from across Northern Ireland as well as Republic of Ireland. It is equipped with the latest whole head 306 channels Elekta Neuromag MEG TRIUX system, which also includes a 128-channel EEG recording system. We offer several advanced techniques for brain stimulation and analysis that allow us to obtain better results and guarantee a high quality service for both research and clinical applications. The ISRC is a major research unit in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment and hosts around 80 researchers including academic staff, research associates and PhD students organized in four research teams: Neural Systems and Neuro-technology, Computational Neuroscience and Neural Engineering, Cognitive Robotics, and Ambient Intelligence and Virtual Worlds. Based at ISRC, the successful candidate will have an opportunity to interact with researchers from related ISRC teams as well as Biomedical Sciences Research Institute (5* research rating), and the recently developed Centre for Stratified Medicine at Ulster University. *Eligibility Requirements: *An eligible candidate should have a degree in Computing Science, Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline, or a higher degree in the same or related subjects. Applicants with other relevant degrees e.g. medicine, psychology, neuroscience or biomedical sciences may also be considered, subject to demonstration of substantial neuroimaging expertise. A PhD degree in an area relevant to the post is also an essential requirement. It is also required that a candidate: - Has extensive hands-on EEG/MEG experience including protocol design, setting up experiments and stimulations, and data acquisition; - Has strong skills and expertise in EEG/MEG analysis using modern tools such as Fieldtrip, SPM, MNE, and/or Brainstorm; - Has research track record in cognitive or clinical neuroscience supported by at least two high quality journal publications suitable for submission in to UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF); - Is a self-motivated individual, enjoys working in a team and interacting with researchers and study participants. Please apply on-line by visiting either our university web-site http://www.ulster.ac.uk/jobs or the advertisement appearing at: http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BEA525/research-associate-in-functional-brain-map… For more information, please contact Prof. Girijesh Prasad, Principal Investigator & Director NIFBM facility. E-mail: g.prasad(a)ulster.ac.uk, Phone: 028 71675645. -------------------------------------------------------- [image: Ulster University] <http://www.ulster.ac.uk/> *Prof. Girijesh Prasad*, Professor of Intelligent Systems, Director, Northern Ireland Functional Brain Mapping facility for MEG studies, Intelligent Systems Research Centre, School of Computing & Intelligent Systems, Faculty of Computing & Engineering, Ulster University, Magee campus, Derry~ Londonderry BT48 7JL, N. Ireland, UK. *T:* +44 - (0)28 71 - 675645, 675409 *E:* g.prasad(a)ulster.ac.uk *W:* https://www.ulster.ac.uk/staff/g.prasad.html https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/institutes/computer-science/groups/intell… *--------------------------* *Thanks & Regards* *Dheeraj Rathee* PhD Student Intelligent Systems Research Centre | Faculty of Computing and Engineering Ulster University (Magee Campus ) Northland Road, Derry Northern Ireland, UK BT 48 7JL Email Id: dheeraj.rathee(a)gmail.com | rathee-d(a)email.ulster.ac.uk Contact : +447459549514 Skype : dheeraj.rathee || Research Gate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dheeraj_Rathee> || LinkedIn <https://in.linkedin.com/pub/dheeraj-rathee/97/162/2a8?domainCountryName=Ind…> *A 'Peaceful' Mind is a 'Productive' Mind. * *CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE : The information transmitted, including attachments, is intended only for the person(s) or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, re-transmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this information by person(s) or entities other than the intended recipient(s) is prohibited. If you have received this mail in error , please notify the sender and destroy any copies of the information. * * *************END OF DISCLAIMER*************** *

Sept. 25, 2017

Fully funded PhD student positions at IMPRS Brain and Behavior Bonn/Florida

by Jakob Macke

The INTERNATIONAL MAX PLANCK RESEARCH SCHOOL (IMPRS) FOR BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR is a transatlantic collaboration between the University of Bonn and the Max Planck associated Center for Advanced European Science and Research (caesar) along with the USA partners Florida Atlantic University and the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI). We seek to fill at least 15 fully funded PhD student positions - NEUROSCIENCE OUR SCHOOL: The first of its kind to unite two Max Planck Institutes (caesar and MPFI) on both sides of the Atlantic, and their university partners (Bonn University and FAU): the IMPRS FOR BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR offers a competitive, English language, interdisciplinary, world-class PhD training and research program in the neurosciences. OUR RESEARCH: IMPRS for Brain and Behavior research projects address how sensory information is encoded in neural circuits and is transformed ultimately to behavior. This research ranges from understanding molecular signaling cascades in spines during learning to understanding how sensory and motor circuits are activated in the awake behaving animal. THE POSITIONS: More than 35 labs with an enormous variety of research projects are seeking outstanding PhD candidates to join their research. See our website for further information on our faculty and possible doctoral projects. Successful candidates will work in a young and dynamic, interdisciplinary, international environment, embedded in the local scientific communities in Bonn or Jupiter. YOUR PROFILE: Highly qualified and motivated aspiring PhD student from any nationality. Proven track record of academic and research excellence. Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or other relevant subject. Truly superior bachelor students may be considered. Fluency in written and spoken English. OUR OFFER: Immersion in a stimulating scientific culture of interaction and international cooperation. State-of-the art facilities with novel scientific technologies and advanced infrastructure. Dedicated support and mentoring personnel. Competitive salary funded for 3 years (extension possible) and no tuition fees. We are committed to diversity and equal opportunity for all applicants. Positions must be started not later than October 1, 2018. YOUR APPLICATION: Apply online at: http://www.imprs-brain-behavior.mpg.de by the December 1, 2017 deadline. Only applications submitted through the online portal will be considered! Short-listed candidates will be interviewed in March 12-13, 2018. CONTACT: Denise Butler, Coordinator (IMPRS.info(a)caesar.de)

Sept. 25, 2017

Several postdoctoral research positions in Statistical Neuroscience

by xaq pitkow

POSITION: We seek several highly motivated postdoctoral research fellows for a collaborative team project building statistical tools for interpreting large scale neural recordings. The fellows will develop new methods and applications of probabilistic graphical models to infer statistical interactions amongst neurons and with their environment. The tools will be validated in neural network simulations, tested in physiological recordings, and made widely available to the neuroscience community for understanding data from next-generation experiments. TEAM: Fellows will join principal investigators and theorists Krešimir Josić, Genevera Allen, Xaq Pitkow, Ankit Patel, and Robert Rosenbaum. The team will interact closely with experimentalists including co-Investigator Andreas Tolias and several other labs interested in applying novel methods we develop. Fellows will also be members of the new Center for Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence housed at the Baylor College of Medicine and supported in part by the NSF NeuroNex program. The Center brings together interdisciplinary researchers from across Houston, including members from Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, University of Houston, and University of Texas Health Sciences. Researchers at the Center contribute diverse expertise in fields including neuroscience, machine learning, statistics, physics, computer science, electrical engineering, and applied mathematics. QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have outstanding mathematical skills, a PhD in a relevant quantitative discipline, and expertise in probabilistic graphical models or statistical machine learning. APPLYING: Applicants should email a letter of research interests and CV to Camila Lopez (Camila.Lopez(a)bcm.edu) along with contact information for three references. We look forward to hearing from you!

Sept. 20, 2017

AMCOS save the date

by AMCOS Conference

SAVE THE DATE *AMCOS –** Analysis and Modeling of Complex Oscillatory Systems* March 19-23, 2018 Barcelona, Spain The *AMCOS conference* aims at bringing together renowned experts and young researchers who work on the modeling of complex systems and the emergence of collective phenomena, as well as on the analysis of complex data sets in order to infer structure and functionality of networks. Accompanying *tutorials* by leading experts will interactively introduce the different conference themes. Do you want to present your work? *Registration and abstract submission opens October 15, 2017*. More info at amcosconference.com. *Date and Venue* Tutorials: March 19, 2018 Conference: March 20 - 23, 2018 PRBB <http://www.prbb.org/>, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona *List of speakers* (*TBC) - Peter Ashwin, - Ernest Barreto, - Ginestra Bianconi*, - Raffaella Burioni, - Dante R. Chialvo, - Gustavo Deco, - Alain Destexhe*, - Albert Díaz-Guilera, - Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo, - Wulfram Gerstner*, - Leon Glass, - Sonja Grün, - Cristina Masoller, - Yamir Moreno, - Florian Mormann, - Hiroya Nakao*, - Diego Pazó, - Juan G. Restrepo, - Alex Roxin, - Tilo Schwalger*, - Damián H. Zanette. *Topics covered* synchronization and nonlinear dynamics - dynamics on networks - connectivity and network inference - data analysis in neuroscience - critical phenomena - neural field models - computational neuroscience - complex oscillatory behaviour in physiology *Tutorials* Leading experts in the field will introduce the different conference themes interactively in tutorials on the first day of the conference week. The speakers are: - Ralph G. Andrzejak, - Arkady Pikovsky, - Michael Rosenblum, - Aneta Stefanovska. A (tentative) list of topics comprises basic theory of synchronization, synchronization approach to data analysis, basic concepts of nonlinear time series analysis, and time series analysis of non-autonomous dynamics. The participants are required to bring laptops installed with MATLAB/Octave if they want to take part in the practical activities. *Organizers* The doctoral students (Early Stage Researchers <http://www.uni-potsdam.de/cosmos-itn/people/early-stage-researchers-esrs/>) of the H2020 Marie Curie project COSMOS <http://www.uni-potsdam.de/cosmos-itn/> . For further information see amcosconference.com or contact us via e-mail < amcosconference(a)upf.edu>. Please forward to anyone interested.

Sept. 20, 2017

postdoctoral positions in computational neuroscience at Sandia National Laboratories

by Chance, Frances S.

Colleagues, We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on understanding neural computation at the circuit level. The neural computing group includes researchers with expertise in machine learning, cognitive science, neuroscience, physics, engineering, mathematics, and data analytics. Current research topics of interest include computational models of retina, visual cortex (or the neural circuitry underlying perception), and the hippocampus. More information on Sandia’s neuroscience research can be found at http://neuroscience.sandia.gov/. We are also encouraging potential applicants to look at several of Sandia’s laboratory wide fellowships for recent PhD graduates, including the John von Neumann Fellowship (http://www.sandia.gov/careers/students_postdocs/fellowships/johnvonneumann_…) in computational sciences and the inaugural Jill Hruby Fellowship (http://www.sandia.gov/careers/students_postdocs/fellowships/hruby_fellowshi…) While an offer of employment is not contingent upon receiving one of these fellowships, a number of them do have deadlines in the coming months. To apply, visit http://www.sandia.gov/careers/ and click "View All Jobs". Enter “658202” into the search box to locate this posting. For questions please contact Frances Chance (fschanc(a)sandia.gov<mailto:fschanc@sandia.gov>) or Brad Aimone (jbaimon(a)sandia.gov<mailto:jbaimon@sandia.gov>).

Sept. 19, 2017

post-doc positions to work on integrated information theory (IIT) with Prof. Giulio Tononi at University of Wisconsin-Madison

by Larissa Albantakis

*Post-doc position(s) to work on Integrated Information Theory (IIT) * Prof. Giulio Tononi, University of Wisconsin, Madison Several postdoctoral positions are available at the Wisconsin Institute for Sleep and Consciousness in the laboratory of Prof. Giulio Tononi to study complex systems within the framework of integrated information theory (IIT). Immediate funding is available for a range of projects including the foundational development of IIT’s mathematical framework, the development of practical measures of integrated information, and their applications to complex systems (biological and artificial). *Required:* - Strong training in an analytically rigorous discipline such as theoretical or computational biology/neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering - Programming experience (knowledge of MATLAB, Python, and/or C++ is of advantage) * Preferred:* - Experience in information theory and complex systems - Interest in the philosophy of causation Appointments are renewable from year to year for up to three years, starting as soon as possible or until the positions are filled. Postdoc salaries correspond to the National Institutes of Health National Research Service Award (NRSA) stipend schedule for postdoc trainees, based on number of years of postdoctoral experience. Candidates should send a CV, brief statement (500 words maximum) describing their research interests and potential role within the lab, and email addresses and phone numbers of three references to: Giulio Tononi, MD, PhD (gtononi(a)wisc.edu) Note that generic applications will not be considered. To demonstrate a real interest in IIT, we strongly recommend applicants calculate the Φ value of a small network—three fully connected XOR logic gates, without self-loops, in state 0, 0, 0 (all off)—using the IIT online interface and include the result in the application email. For more information, see http://integratedinformationtheory.org/, or contact Larissa Albantakis, PhD (albantakis(a)wisc.edu) or William Marshall, PhD (wmarshall3(a)wisc.edu) -- Larissa Albantakis, PhD Department of Psychiatry University of Wisconsin 6001 Research Park Blvd Madison, WI 53719

Sept. 19, 2017

Postdoctoral position (Mathematical Neuroscience) at QIMRB, Brisbane Australia

by Matthew Aburn

Mathematical Neuroscience Research Fellow (full time 3 year appointment) - Innovative biomedical modelling - Attractive salary packaging & superannuation options This research fellow will pursue large-scale computational modelling and simulation of brain activity, and innovative analyses of time series and neuroimaging data, with particular focus on epilepsy. *Responsibilities* - You will contribute to developing and analysing new mathematical models of large-scale brain activity, including both biophysical neural mass models and networks of non-linear oscillators. - Simulate computational models on GPUs or high performance computing clusters, and collaborate in applying these to clinical and neuroscience research. - Perform innovative analyses of high-dimensional neurophysiological and neuroimaging data. - Contribute to experimental design and prepare manuscripts for related studies. - Participate in intra-mural group activities, including presentation at lab meetings and collaboration with other lab members and clinicians. *About you* Essential: The successful applicant will possess the following: PhD in mathematics, physics, bioengineering, computer sciences or related field; demonstrated ability to implement mathematical methods in code; evidence of strong oral and written communication skills. Desirable: Ideally candidates may also have a published track record in analysis of non-linear dynamical systems, particularly neural mass or neural field models or coupled non-linear oscillators; previous experience with GPU programming or high performance computing clusters; previous experience in neuroscience research; or expertise in time series analysis or signal processing. *About the lab* Led by Prof Michael Breakspear, the Systems Neuroscience Group (SNG) is an independent research team within QIMR Berghofer. The SNG is a multidisciplinary group who undertake innovative computational modelling and analysis of brain activity in health and disease. QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading translational medical research institute. Based in Brisbane, Australia and working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 600 scientists, students and support staff. *Salary* Salary range is AUD $81,395-$84,257 per annum, plus up to 15.75% superannuation, and attractive salary packaging. This is a full time three year appointment. Closing date is 15 October 2017 Apply here: http://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/careers/positions-vacant

Sept. 19, 2017

Postdoctoral position (Bayesian Computation) at QIMRB, Brisbane Australia

by Matthew Aburn

Bayesian Computation Research Fellow (full time 3 year appointment) - Cutting edge data science - Attractive salary packaging & superannuation options This research fellow will develop new systems for model selection and model-based prediction, combining large data sets from patient neuroimaging and intracranial recordings, with biophysical forward models of brain dynamics. *Responsibilities* - You will contribute to the design of systems for Bayesian inference on large data sets, to perform model selection, parameter estimation, data assimilation and prediction using forward models of brain dynamics. - Implement these methods on GPUs or high performance computing clusters, and collaborate in applying these to clinical and neuroscience research, including an application to diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. - Perform innovative analyses of high-dimensional neurophysiological and neuroimaging data. - Contribute to experimental design and prepare manuscripts for related studies. - Participate in intra-mural group activities, including presentation at lab meetings and collaboration with other lab members and clinicians. *About you* Essential: The successful applicant will possess the following: PhD in mathematics, physics, statistics, bioengineering, computer sciences or related field; demonstrated ability to implement mathematical methods in code; and evidence of strong oral and written communication skills. Desirable: Ideally candidates may also have a published track record in applying computational Bayesian methods such as Sequential Monte Carlo, MCMC, Variational Bayes; previous experience with GPU programming or high performance computing clusters; previous experience in neuroscience research; or expertise in time series analysis or signal processing. *About the lab* Led by Prof Michael Breakspear, the Systems Neuroscience Group (SNG) is an independent research team within QIMR Berghofer. The SNG is a multidisciplinary group who undertake innovative computational modelling and analysis of brain activity in health and disease. QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading translational medical research institute. Based in Brisbane, Australia and working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 600 scientists, students and support staff. *Salary* Salary range is AUD $81,395-$84,257 per annum, plus up to 15.75% superannuation, and attractive salary packaging. This is a full time three year appointment. Closing date is 15 October 2017 Apply here: http://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/careers/positions-vacant

Sept. 19, 2017

University of British Columbia Murphy lab: PDF and Graduate students wanted, automated in vivo imaging and optogenetics in mouse cortex

by Tim Murphy

University of British Columbia Murphy lab: PDF and Graduate students wanted, automated in vivo imaging and optogenetics in mouse cortex. The Murphy lab at the University of British Columbia is looking for both graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to join a dynamic research team focused on the function of mouse cortex in both normal brain as well as models of stroke and neuropsychiatric disorders. <http://www.neuroscience.ubc.ca/faculty/murphy.html> http://www.neuroscience.ubc.ca/faculty/murphy.html Applicants should have experience in quantitative methods and computer programming and/or behavioral neuroscience. Software systems include both data acquisition and analysis using Python or/and Matlab. Current projects evolve around automated brain imaging/interventions using mouse home cages <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4909937/> https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4909937/. The lab has a fully equipped maker space with a 3D printer and electronics and other hardware fabrication facilities. Future work includes integration of behavioral tasks, including go-, no-go- and fine motor control with automated brain imaging and optogenetic stimulation or inhibition. Projects are focused around two major disease areas, which include stroke and mouse models of neuropsychiatric disorders. The laboratory is part of the UBC Centre for Brain Health and the Graduate program in Neuroscience. These entities form a vibrant research community. Applicants are encouraged to apply directly to Tim Murphy and after an initial application are expected to include 3 letters of reference plus an undergraduate and graduate transcript. Salary and stipends are consistent with Canadian granting standards. Please write: <mailto:thmurphy@mail.ubc.ca> thmurphy(a)mail.ubc.ca Tim Murphy, PhD Professor Kinsmen Lab, Dept. of Psychiatry University of British Columbia 2255 Wesbrook Mall Detwiller Pavilion Rm. 4N1 Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z3 Canada 604-822-0705 office

Sept. 15, 2017

Postdoctoral fellowship in human intracranial electrophysiology: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and California Institute of Technology

by Ueli Rutishauser

*** Apologies for multiple postings*** A postdoctoral position focused on investigating the neural mechanisms of learning and memory is available in the Laboratory of Ueli Rutishauser at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Caltech. The lab is broadly interested in human memory and decision making. We focus on understanding how new long-term memories are formed, how existing memories are retrieved to make choices, how memories for social stimuli such as faces are formed, and on utilizing this knowledge to develop new treatments for memory disorders. We utilize a combination of in-vivo electrophysiology (single-neuron and local field potential recordings), neuroimaging, computational and behavioral approaches. The focus of this project is on single-neuron recordings in epilepsy patients to investigate the role of theta-oscillations in coordinating activity during memory-based decisions. The applicant will join a vibrant and collaborative interdisciplinary research team consisting of investigators at both Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the California Institute of Technology. We provide ample opportunity for training with state-of-the art equipment, facilities, analytical methods, and experimental techniques. Our work is funded by the NSF, McKnight Endowment fund, and NIH, including a newly established NIH BRAIN consortium between Cedars-Sinai/Caltech (Rutishauser, Mamelak, Adolphs), University of Toronto (Valiante), Johns Hopkins University (Anderson), and Harvard/Childrens (Kreiman). This provides ample opportunity to work with large-scale single-neuron datasets to test model predictions. This position is based at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. Candidates should have a recent PhD in neuroscience or related field with a track-record of first-author publications. Strong programming (Matlab or similar), data analysis, and statistics skills are required. Previous electrophysiology experience is preferred. Excellent written and oral English communication skills are required. Previous human intracranial EEG and/or macaque electrophysiology experience is a strength. The position is available as early as Nov 1st 2017, with a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with prior experience (NIH scale). The position is available with an initial appointment for one year and renewal based upon satisfactory performance. Cedars-Sinai is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants should send a CV, brief statement of research interests, and contact information for 2-3 references to Ueli Rutishauser at rutishauseru(a)csmc.edu. Information about the lab and a list of publications can be found at www.rutishauserlab.org . Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. -- Ueli Rutishauser, Ph.D. http://rutishauserlab.org/

Sept. 15, 2017

Open position: clinical data manager, Marseille

by Irene Yujnovsky

> > Clinical data manager for national consortium on epilepsy surgery - Aix-Marseille Université > Marseille, FRANCE > > > A position for an experienced clinical data manager is open to create and maintain an epileptic patient database including registration, normalization and security issues and to ensure the communication with the key partners in the academic, clinical and industry sectors with the aim of generating individual Virtual Patient models using The Virtual Brain (TVB) platform as framework (see http://www.thevirtualbrain.org) This database will be generated in the context of the EPINOV (Improving EPilepsy surgery management and progNOsis using Virtual brain technology) project led by Professor Fabrice Bartolomei (http://fr.ap-hm.fr/service/neurophysiologie-clinique-hopital-timone) funded by the RHU programme. > > Qualification > > Candidates must be highly motivated to work on an interdisciplinary project and collaborate with the various members of the consortium. They should have a degree in biomedical engineering, medical informatics or equivalent level of knowledge. Candidates must possess a solid experience in management of clinical and/or research data and programming (C, MATLAB, Python). Experience with neuroimaging data (stereotactic EEG, MRI, DTI, MEG, EEG), clinical trials, neuroinformatics and its standard formats (for instance DICOM, XNAT, BIDS), machine learning and Big Data would be considered an advantage. > > The EPINOV project and consortium > We are a national consortium composed of clinicians, researchers and industrial partners interested in improving epilepsy surgical prognosis using large–scale brain modelling based on individual epileptic patient data. A prospective, randomized multicenter trial will be conducted with subjects suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy. The clinical trial will systematically evaluate the added value of personalized brain modelling in the surgical decision making. > > Terms of salary and employment > Salary will depend on the diploma and previous experience. Operating languages in the consortium are both French and English. > > Applications including a cover letter, curriculum vitae and the names of two referees should be sent by October 31st 2017 to: Dr. Irene Yujnovsky at irene.yujnovsky(a)univ-amu.fr > > --

Sept. 14, 2017

[jobs] Post-doctoral Position in Brain- and biosignal-based speech recognition @ the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)

by Alessandro D'Ausilio

The IIT (Italian Institute of Technology) Centre for Translational Neurophysiology (CTNSC) is hiring 1 post-doc on Brain- and Biosignal-based Automatic Speech Recognition. Please find more information here: https://www.iit.it/careers/openings/opening/515-postdoctoral-position-in-br… Deadline: September 25th

Sept. 14, 2017

SCiNDU abstract deadline Oct 1st

by Geoffrey Goodhill

A reminder that the SCiNDU abstract deadline is October 1st: SYSTEMS AND COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE DOWNUNDER (SCiNDU) Joint meeting with the 2017 QBI Plasticity Workshop and the 10th Australasian Workshop on Neuro-Engineering and Computational Neuroscience Dec 13-15th 2017 Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/scindu Confirmed speakers: Polina Anikeeva (MIT) Bernard Balleine (UNSW) Daphne Bavelier (U Geneva) John Bekkers (ANU) Kwabena Boahen (Stanford) Tobias Bonhoeffer (Max Planck Martinsried) Rosa Cossart (INMED Marseille) Kenji Doya (Okinawa) Adrienne Fairhall (U Washington) Marta Garrido (U Queensland) Alex Pouget (U Geneva) Pankaj Sah (U Queensland) Andre van Schaik (Western Sydney) Rafael Yuste (Columbia) Abstract submissions for poster presentation are due by Oct 1st. Some submissions will be selected for oral presentation. See http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/scindu for more details. Professor Geoffrey J Goodhill Queensland Brain Institute and School of Mathematics & Physics University of Queensland St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia Email: g.goodhill(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:g.goodhill@uq.edu.au> http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/professor-geoffrey-goodhill

Sept. 14, 2017

Joint Ph.D. position in Systems Neuroscience at Karolinska Institute and KTH Royal Insti. of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

by Arvind Kumar

*Joint Ph.D. position in Systems Neuroscience at Karolinska Institute and KTH Royal Insti. of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden* We invite applications for a joint PhD position in the groups of Dr. Arvind Kumar (KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden) and Dr. Dinos Meletis (Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden) to study the dynamics of neuronal ensembles in mouse striatum. *Brief** description of the project* Striatum is the main input of the basal ganglia and plays an important role in a diversity of cognitive and motor functions. The goal of the project is to understand how the population activity of striatal neurons encodes external stimulus and behavioral states of the animal. To this end the student will record, analyse and model the striatal activity in different conditions. *Qualifications* We are looking for a student with a MSc (or equivalent) degree in Physics or Engineering and a strong background in data analysis and/or analysis and modeling of physical systems. Previous knowledge of neuroscience would be useful but not necessary. *Appointment* This will be a joint position at KTH and KI Stockholm, Sweden. The employment as a Phd student is time limited following the regulations for Ph.D. employment in the Higher Education Ordinance (~ 5 years with 80% PhD studies and 20% department service including teaching) of Sweden. *About the research groups* The PhD student will work under the supervision of Dr. Arvind Kumar and Dr. Dinos Meletis. *Dr. Kumar's* research group is based at the *KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm. *He uses computational and analytical methods to understand the dynamics and information processing in biological neuronal networks. His lab is developing mathematical models of brain diseases to create a theoretical framework to understand the mechanisms underlying the emergence of disease related aberrant activity dynamics in diseases (e.g. Parkinson's diseases, epilepsy, anxiety). Relevant to the project, in last few years they have developed computational models of the striatum and basal ganglia to understand the role of input correlation, emergence of neuronal assemblies and oscillations. More information about Kumar lab *https://www.kth.se/profile/arvindku/ <https://www.kth.se/profile/arvindku/>* *Dr. Meletis'* lab is based at the *Karolinska Institute, Stockholm*. The lab studies neural circuits that are responsible for generating motivated behaviors, for example the basal ganglia and the serotonin system, and how dysfunction in the activity of neuron subtypes can lead to reward disorders. The lab has established experimental methods to perform large-scale in vivo imaging of the activity of neuron subtypes during behavior in freely moving mice and methods to precisely perturb the activity of genetically defined neurons (optogenetics). Relevant to the project, the lab is investigating the distinct role of striatal neuron subtypes in learning and representing reward and punishments, with the aim to develop an understanding of the neural and ensemble computations that underlie behavior. More information about Meletis lab http://meletislab.org/ *Application* The application should include the following documents: 1. CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge. 2. Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages. 3. Statement of purpose: Why do you want to pursue a PhD, what are your academic interests, how they relate to your previous studies and future goals; maximum 2 pages long. 4. Weblink of representative publications or technical reports 5. Contact information for two reference persons. We reserve us the right to contact references only for shortlisted candidates. Send the above info as a single zip file to Dr. Arvind Kumar *arvkumar(a)kth.se <arvkumar(a)kth.se>* *Application deadline: 30 Sept. 2017* *For more info. contact* Dr. Arvind Kumar *arvkumar(a)kth.se <arvkumar(a)kth.se>* *https://www.kth.se/profile/arvindku/ <https://www.kth.se/profile/arvindku/>* Dr. Dinos Meletis: *Dinos.Meletis(a)ki.se <Dinos.Meletis(a)ki.se>* *http://meletislab.org/ <http://meletislab.org/>* -- Dr. Arvind Kumar Computational Biology, School of Computer Science and Communication KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. Adjunct Faculty at: Bernstein Center Freiburg, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology University of Freiburg, Germany http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/people/details/kumar cancer blog: http://theoryofcancer.blogspot.com cricket blog: http://rightarmoverfast.blogspot.com

Sept. 13, 2017

Open post-doctoral position in Theoretical Neuroscience - INS, Marseille, France

by Irene Yujnovsky

Post-doctoral position in the Theoretical Neuroscience Group - INS, Marseille, France *Summary* The Theoretical Neuroscience Group (Head: Viktor Jirsa) is seeking to fill a post-doctoral position in the context of the project EPINOV to work on statistical & dynamical modeling of seizure propagation using personalized brain modeling and neuroinformatics approaches on a cohort of hundreds of epilepsy patients. EPINOV is one of 10 large-scale projects selected in the 3rd round of French scientific excellence program «RHU» managed by the National Research Agency (ANR). The aim of the EPINOV project is to significantly improve presurgical interpretation, guide surgical strategies and translate computational tools into clinical routine of personalized medicine. We use individual MRI scans to reconstruct brain anatomy and connectivity, which are combined with a neural mass model and fit using the Bayesian modeling software Stan to individuals’ intracranial electrophysiology data (stereotactic EEG), validated by clinical data from other modalities, such as MEG, fMRI, and semiology. *Responsibilities* • Scale up statistical models “vertically” to handle more data and higher resolution anatomy, using model comparison techniques to evaluate the advantage of different model structures • Scale out models “horizontally”, performing coherent, reliable inference across a large cohort of patients using dedicated, on-site HPC resources • Develop routines to evaluate and visualize inference results, making them amenable to clinical interpretation • Integrate developed code into existing code bases and pipelines *Qualification*** • Highly motivated to work on an interdisciplinary project and collaborate with the various members of the consortium. • PhD degree in computational neuroscience, mathematical or statistical modeling, machine learning or equivalent level of knowledge. • Significant, demonstrable experience in data fitting (Bayesian modeling, Dynamical Causal Modeling (DCM), Monte Carlo, etc) will be highly appreciated. • Experience with working in a Linux/HPC environment • Programming in a numerically oriented language (R, Python, MATLAB) • Familiarity with Git, unit testing, Docker/VMs is a plus *The Theoretical Neuroscience group*** We are a multi-national team interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal organization of large-scale brain networks. Our work comprises mathematical and computational modeling of large-scale network dynamics and human brain imaging data, the development of neuroinformatics tools for studying large-scale brain networks applied to concrete functions, dysfunctions (epilepsy, dementia) and aging. *Terms of salary and employment*** A 12-month renewable contract will be established. Salary will depend on the diploma and experience. Operating language in the laboratory is English. Applications including a cover letter, curriculum vitae and the names of two referees should be sent by September 30th 2017 to: Dr. Irene Yujnovsky at irene.yujnovsky(a)univ-amu.fr <mailto:irene.yujnovsky@univ-amu.fr> More information about the INS and the Theoretical Neurosciences Group can be found at: http://ins.univ-amu.fr <http://ins.univ-amu.fr/> --

Sept. 13, 2017

[INNS-BDDL 2018] Call for Papers

by Teng Teck Hou

[Apologies for cross-postings] ########################################################### CALL FOR PAPERS The 3rd INNS Conference on Big Data and Deep Learning 2018 April 17-19, 2018, Bali, Indonesia Homepage: http://www.innsbigdata2018.org #######################Description:###################### The International Neural Network Society (INNS) is the premiere organization for individuals interested in a theoretical and computational understanding of the brain and applying that knowledge to develop new and more effective forms of machine intelligence. INNS was formed in 1987 by the leading scientists in the neural network field. Researchers and colleagues who work in the area of big data and machine learning, we are happy to announce "The 3 rd INNS Conference on Big Data and Deep Learning 2018 (INNS BDDL 2018) will be held on April 18 – 19, 2018 in Sanur – Bali, Indonesia. The aim of this conference is to create a valuable and important forum for scientists and engineers throughout the world to present the latest research findings and idea at the forefront of Big Data and Deep Learning. Accepted papers will be published by Elsevier, Scopus indexed. Several papers will be selected for possible publication in top journals. The conference will feature a comprehensive technical program with technical tracks on: Track 1: Big Data Track 2: Big Data Algorithms Track 3: Deep Learning Track 4: Application Areas ####################Important Dates################################# * Tutorial and workshop proposals (Submission) 30 September 2017 * Tutorial and workshop proposals (Decision) 7 October 2017 * Paper submission 1 December 2017 * Decision notification 8 January 2018 * Camera-ready submission 2 February 2018 * Conference 17 - 19 April 2018 ################################################################### #########################Keynote Speakers########################## * Geoffrey I. Webb, Monash University, Australia * Kay Chen Tan, City University, Hong Kong ################################################################### #################### Organizing committees ############### General chairs Seiichi Ozawa, Kobe University, Japan Ah-Hwee Tan, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Program Chairs Plamen P. Angelov, Lancaster University, UK Asim Roy, Arizona State University, USA Mahardhika Pratama, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Valeri Mladenov, Technical University of Sofia, Bulgaria Petia Koprinkova-Hristova, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria Petia Georgieva, University of Aveiro, Portugal Honorary Board Mohammad Nuh, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia Joni Hermana, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia Heru Setyawan, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia Local Committee Chairs Dieky Adzkiya, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia Advisory Board Yew-Soon Ong, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Robert Kozma, University of Memphis, USA Sankar K. Pal, Indian Statistical Institute, India Haibo He, University of Rhode Island, USA Witold Pedrycz, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada Leszek Rutkowski, Czestochowa University of Technology, Poland Nikola Kasabov, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand Fernando Gomide, University of Campinas, Brazil Marley Vellasco, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Yoonsuck Choe, Texas A&M University Minho Lee, Kyungpook National University, South Korea Bao-Liang Lu, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China Irwin King, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Tutorials/Workshop Chairs Igor Skrjanc, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia Sundaram Suresh, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Noor Akhmad Setiawan, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia Poster Sessions Chairs Eko Setiadji, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia Agus Salim, La Trobe University, Australia Ali Ridho Barakbah, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia Special Sessions Chairs Justin Wang, La Trobe University, Australia Yongping Pan, National University of Singapore, Singapore Alfian Futhul Hadi, Universitas Jember, Indonesia Panel Chairs Sreenatha Anavatti, University of New South Wales, Australia Mukesh Prasad, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia Achmad Affandi, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia Awards Chairs Tapabrata Ray, University of New South Wales, Australia Dejan Dovzan, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia Richard J. Oentaryo, McLaren Applied Technologies, Singapore Publication Chairs Edwin Lughofer, Johannes Kepler University, Austria Jose Antonio Iglesias, Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain Moamar Sayed?Mouchaweh, Institute Mines Telecom Lille Douai, France Publicity Chair Simone Scardapane, Sapienza University, Italy Teng Teck Hou, Singapore Management University, Singapore Kurnianingsih, Politeknik Negeri Semarang, Indonesia International Liaison Chairs Yun Sing Koh, University of Auckland, New Zealand Deepak Puthal, University of Technology Sydney, Australia Wirawan, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia Webmaster Mohamad Abdul Hady, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia Andri Ashfahani, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia Choiru Za’in, La Trobe University, Australia ########################################################## ###### Topics and Areas include, but not limited to the following###### >>BIG DATA Autonomous, online, incremental learning in big data High dimensional data, feature selection, feature transformation for big data Scalable algorithms for big data Big data analytics Data stream analytics Parallel & distributed computing for big data analytics (cloud, map-reduce, etc.) Online learning Online multimedia/stream/text analytics Link and graph mining Big data and cloud computing, large scale stream processing on the cloud Big data and collective intelligence/collaborative learning Big data and hybrid systems Big data and self-aware systems Big data and infrastructure Big data visualization >>Big Data Algorithm Neuromorphic hardware for scalable machine learning Evolving systems for big data analytics Evolutionary systems and big data Fuzzy systems and big data Cognitive modelling and big data Probabilistic approach for big data Concept drift detection for big data Granular computing for big data Transfer learning for big data >>Deep Learning Deep belief network Convolutional neural network Long short term memory Deep network architecture Deep autoencoder Deep stacked network Deep learning for natural language processing Deep learning for machine vision Evolving deep network Transfer learning in deep learning Online deep learning >>Application Areas Banking and Securities Communications, Media and Entertainment Healthcare Providers Education Manufacturing & Natural Resources Government Insurances Retail & Wholesale Trade Transportation Energy & Utilities, Etc. ############################################################################ ##########################Sponsoring Organizations################# * INNS - International Neural Network Society * MTC - Mechatronic Technology Center, Institut Tecknologi Sepuluh Nopember ################################################################ Previous INNS Conference: INNS 2016 in Thessaloniki, Greece INNS 2015 in San Francisco, USA

Sept. 12, 2017

Postdoc Position in ENIMGA-Sleep Working Group

by Masoud Tahmasian

Postdoc Position in ENIMGA-Sleep Working Group ENIGMA-Sleep Working Group has an opening for a post-doctoral position to study brain structure and function in insomnia. The post is based at the Institute of Medical Science and Technology (IMSAT), Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. The Institute has a Sleep Laboratory with wireless polysomnography equipment, access to a 3T MRI scan, High resolution EEG, TMS with Neuronavigation system, Psychophysics labs as well as clinical studies facilities. Title of project: Structural and functional maladaptation in insomnia disorder Supervisior: Dr. Masoud Tahmasian MD PhD, Prof. Mojtaba Zarei MD PhD FRCP(UK) The ENIGMA consortium brings together many researchers to understand brain structure, function, and pathophysiology of disease, based on neuroimaging and genetic data. ENIGMA members are multi-disciplinary scientists from all over the world with research projects on neuroscience, clinical psychiatry, and genetics. The ENIGMA-Sleep Group is a recently launched group lead by Dr. Masoud Tahmasian and Prof. Mojtaba Zarei from the Institute of Medical Science & Technology (IMSAT), Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. The collaborating teams from across the globe endeavor to join knowledge, experience and vision to address important questions in sleep physiology and its disorders using cutting edge brain imaging techniques and relating them with clinical and laboratory investigations. IMSAT was approved by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, and established in 2016. It is one of the fastest growing multidisciplinary research Institute in Iran with well-trained and experienced faculty members from science, engineering and medicine. Our fields of expertise include medical imaging, image processing, clinical trials, wearable technologies, brain stimulation engineering, auditory technology, control engineering, and biomedical technology. There is a wide range of facilities for research at IMSAT including, but not limited to, MRI, EEG, Polysomnography, and actigraphy. There is also a dedicated high performance server for various data analysis. Eligibility: Applicants must have a PhD degree in medical science, neuroscience or engineering with a minimum of one-year research experience in an overseas University. The funding is only available to Iranian nationals. Duration: One year, with possibility to extend for the second year upon successful progression Salary: The successful applicant will be hired by the University with funding support already secured at the rank of assistant professor. Interested individuals should send their CV to m_tahmasian(a)sbu.ac.ir

Sept. 12, 2017

NEURON course at SFN 2017 meeting

by Ted Carnevale

Space is still available for the NEURON course at this year's meeting of the Society for Neuroscience. If you're a lab director trying to decide whether to add computational modeling to your research program, a grad student or postdoc who is just getting started in modeling, or an established NEURON user who wants to find out what the latest advances are, this one-day course is for you! It starts with a practical introduction that reviews basic concepts and presents a workflow for building and using models of cells and networks, and moves on to topics that include how to speed up simulations, using Python with NEURON, and modeling reactive diffusion with the RxD class. For more information and the registration form, see https://www.neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/courses/dc2017/dc2017.html --Ted

Sept. 11, 2017

Lecturer in Computer Science (Biological computation - including computational neuroscience)

by Peter Andras

Lecturer in Computer Science Keele University - School of Computing and Mathematics Salary: £33,943 to £39,324 p.a. Grade 7a Hours: Full Time Contract Type: Permanent Closes: 20th September 2017 Job Ref: KU00000544 Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £134 million, over 10,000 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research. Further information can be found at <http://www.keele.ac.uk/> http://www.keele.ac.uk. This post represents an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to join a team of staff in Keele Universitys Faculty of Natural Sciences. The Faculty is responsible for research and teaching in many areas of computer science, mathematics, and the physical and biological sciences. Applications are welcome from dynamic and enthusiastic individuals committed to high quality teaching and research in any relevant field of Computer Science (e.g. software engineering, security, human-computer interaction, biological computation, machine learning, formal methods, distributed systems but not restricted to these particular fields), and who have interests that complement our existing research strengths while broadening the scope of our teaching expertise. The lectureship post is part of continued growth and expansion of computer science at Keele, which presents many new opportunities for the development of synergies in both teaching and research. Candidates will be expected to develop an active research programme that both complements and extends our existing research profile in Computer Science. Candidates are also expected to develop research collaborations with colleagues at Keele and elsewhere in strategic research areas of the University, such as smart energy, big data or ageing research. Details of the research carried out in Computer Science at Keele can be found at: <http://www.keele.ac.uk/scm/research/compsci/> http://www.keele.ac.uk/scm/research/compsci/ The successful candidate will have a PhD in an appropriate area of Computer Science (or be very close to completion of his/her PhD) and will have a strong commitment to delivering high quality undergraduate teaching, including supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and the development and delivery of new modules. The post-holder will have the skills, enthusiasm and flexibility for teaching across a wide range of computer science topics and will also contribute to recruitment activities and administrative duties within our Computer Science programmes. Informal enquires can be made to Professor Peter Andras on 01782 733412 or <mailto:p.andras@keele.ac.uk> p.andras(a)keele.ac.uk Keele University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN charter, and values equality and diversity across our workforce. We strive to ensure that our workforce is representative of broader society, and therefore, we would actively welcome applications from women for this role. For full post details and online application form please visit: <http://www.keele.ac.uk/vacancies> www.keele.ac.uk/vacancies Or follow the link: people.keele.ac.uk/tlive_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.open?VACANCY_ID%3 d061051EnUQ <https://people.keele.ac.uk/tlive_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.open?VAC ANCY_ID%3d061051EnUQ&WVID=0493472Nsk&LANG=USA> &WVID=0493472Nsk&LANG=USA Interviews will be held on: 18th October 2017 --- Professor Peter Andras Professor of Computer Science and Informatics Director of Postgraduate Research, Faculty of Natural Sciences 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: <mailto:p.andras@keele.ac.uk> p.andras(a)keele.ac.uk Web: <http://www.scm.keele.ac.uk/staff/p_andras/> www.scm.keele.ac.uk/staff/p_andras/

Sept. 11, 2017

Energy Efficient Neural Code in Individual Neurons and Brain Circuits

by Yu, Yuguo

In collaboration with Frontiers in Neuroscience, section Neuroenergetics, Nutrition and Brain Health, we are organizing a Research Topic titled "Energy Efficient Neural Code in Individual Neurons and Brain Circuits", hosted by Yuguo Yu, Satish Iyengar. As host editor, I would like to encourage you to contribute to this topic. Please find more information about Research Topics below, including the publishing fees that apply. You can also visit the homepage we have created on the Frontiers website, which defines the focus of the topic, and where all published articles will appear. https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.frontiersin.org_Neu… Please note the submission deadline for this Research Topic: Oct 28, 2017 With your agreement to take part, I would request you submit an abstract in advance of any manuscript submission you choose to make (deadline identified at the homepage above). As I am using the Frontiers system to manage this topic, please first indicate your decision to participate by clicking on one of the following links. AGREE to Participate https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.frontiersin.org_Acc… DECLINE to Participate https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.frontiersin.org_Dec… Let me know if you have any questions about my Research Topic. I look forward to hearing from you soon. With best regards, Yuguo Yu Guest Associate Editor, Neuroenergetics, Nutrition and Brain Health www.frontiersin.org<http://www.frontiersin.org/> Frontiers | Peer Reviewed Articles - Open Access Journals<http://www.frontiersin.org/> www.frontiersin.org Open-access publisher of peer-reviewed scientific articles across the entire spectrum of academia. Research network for academics to stay up-to-date with the latest ... ABOUT FRONTIERS RESEARCH TOPICS Founded by scientists in 2007, Frontiers is a community-rooted open-access publisher, driving innovations in peer review, article-level metrics and research networking. The "Frontiers in" journal series hosts 54 journals covering more than 350 academic specialties, with a network of over 200,000 leading researchers worldwide. Frontiers is a registered member of the Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.oaspa.org_member_Fr… ) and was recognized by the ALPSP Award for Innovation in Publishing in 2014. The idea behind a Frontiers Research Topic is to create a comprehensive collection of peer-reviewed articles that address a specific theme of research, as well as a forum for discussion and debate. Contributions can be articles describing original research, methods, hypothesis & theory, opinions, and more. Please see the relevant journal for a full list of accepted article types. Frontiers will also compile an e-book, as soon as all contributing articles are published, that can be used as educational material, be sent to foundations that fund your research, to journalists and press agencies, or to your professional network. E-books are free to read and download. Once published, your articles will be free to access for all readers, indexed in relevant repositories, and as an author in Frontiers, you retain the copyright to your own papers and figures. FRONTIERS PUBLISHING FEES Manuscripts accepted for publication are subject to publishing fees, which vary depending on the article type. Research Topic A type articles receive a discount on publishing fees; please see here for a full fee table, and further relevant FAQs: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.frontiersin.org_abo… .=

Sept. 11, 2017

Software Development Engineer position on Brain Computer Interfaces at Inria, France

by Maureen Clerc

Dear colleagues, Please take note and circulate the following job offer. With apologies for multiple postings. Maureen Clerc ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ S oftware Development Engineer position available at Inria Sophia Antipolis, France Summary Inria Sophia Antipolis is seeking to a fill software development engineer position to work on Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI). The P300-speller BCI application developed at Inria Sophia Antipolis allows severely disabled patients to communicate using brain activity, measured through electroencephalography (EEG). It has shown excellent performance when tested extensively with 20 patients at Nice CHU. However it still requires some improvements to meet patients' expectations. This project, funded by patient associations, aims to bring BCI out of the lab, and deploy it to its end-users. Responsibilities • Analyze existing software. • Reduce dependencies on third-party libraries. • Automatize installation and calibration. • Study portability onto tablet. • Make application adaptable to users' needs. Qualification • Highly motivated to work on a translational project in Brain Computer Interfaces. • Masters degree in computer science or equivalent degree of knowledge. • Significant, demonstrable experience (at least four years) in C/C++ programming. • Experience with working in a Linux environment. • Familiarity with version management (Git, mercurial), compilers and compiling systems (cmake). • Familiarity with EEG and BCI would be appreciated. • Knowledge of graphical interfaces and visualization (OpenGL, Qt, Gtk) would be appreciated. Work environment Inria is a research institute dedicated to numerical sciences. In Sophia Antipolis (20 km from Nice), the Athena team develops methodology for non-invasive imaging of the Central Nervous System. In particular, it hosts a full-fledged Electroencephalography laboratory and investigates Brain-Computer Interfaces, in the context of the Inria Project-Lab bci-lift. Software development is organized within a development team including other software engineers and researchers, following agile development principles. Terms of salary and employment A 15-month renewable contract will be established. Salary will depend on diploma and experience. Applications including a cover letter, curriculum vitae and the names of two referees should be sent by September 30th 2017 to: Dr. Maureen Clerc at maureen.clerc(a)inria.fr More information about Inria and the Athena team can be found at: https://team.inria.fr/athena/

Sept. 8, 2017

Postdoctoral position in Camouflage Pattern Design and Eye-Tracking Experimentation

by Leslie Osborne

Postdoctoral position in Camouflage Pattern Design and Eye-Tracking Experimentation Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA Type: RESEARCH Position: FULL-TIME POST-DOCTORAL SCHOLAR Description: A position for a postdoctoral fellow in computational vision in biological systems is available to study visual camouflage in the Hanlon Lab at MBL, in collaboration with groups at UC Irvine (C. Chubb) and NTHU (C.C. Chiao) and the University of Chicago (S. Palmer and L. Osborne). The goal of the 3-year study is to develop a generative model of successful camouflage patterning and edge design, both at rest and in motion. Camouflage patterns will be inspired by natural animal behaviors, particularly in cephalopods - octopus, cuttlefish, squid – marine fishes, and insects. The postdoc will be involved in the statistical analysis of natural images and artists’ camouflage designs. Our approach is to use gaze tracking during visual search to define metrics of camouflage success and, complementarily, to measure the statistics of image features that draw human gaze. Visual stimuli for search tasks will be taken from natural image and video databases in the Hanlon and Palmer laboratories and artworks created by students at the Rhode Island School of Design. Human gaze tracking data will be collected and analyzed in the Osborne laboratory. The fellow may participate in data collection from live animals and human subjects, but the primary focus will be image and gaze data analysis. Education and Experience: The ideal candidate will have a background in computational analysis or computer vision, and a Ph.D. in computational biology (e.g. neuroscience, cognitive science, animal behavior), physics, computer science, or a related field. Programming experience in MATLAB is highly desirable. Experience in image and video analysis, and programming experience in Python or C, are also desirable. Previous experience in visual psychophysics is not required, but would be helpful. Environment: The Hanlon Laboratory is part of the Eugene Bell Center at the Marine Biology Laboratory. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution and an affiliate of the University of Chicago. Utilizing unique and highly tractable marine and aquatic model organisms, high throughput and comparative genetic approaches, novel imaging technologies and the latest advances in data-intensive computational analysis, scientists in the Bell Center, in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Chicago and the Argonne National Laboratory, are providing answers to some of the most fundamental and intriguing questions in biology. The candidate will interact closely with: (i) the team at MBL (the PI and lab personnel); (ii) faculty collaborators at University of Chicago and UC Irvine; (iii) the summer neurobiology and imaging community at MBL; and (iv) art students and faculty at the Rhode Island School of Design. Duration: This position is for 2.5 years. Desired start date is 1 November 2017 or as soon thereafter as feasible. Web link to MBL job listing: https://mbl.simplehire.com/postings/search <https://mbl.simplehire.com/postings/search> Questions: Send inquiries to Roger Hanlon rhanlon(a)mbl.edu <mailto:rhanlon@mbl.edu> Stephanie Palmer sepalmer(a)uchicago.edu <mailto:sepalmer@uchicago.edu> Leslie Osborne osborne(a)uchicago.edu <mailto:osborne@uchicago.edu> Application: The application comprises a cover letter, CV, a 1-2 page description of past research experience, the contact information for 3 references. Follow links at https://mbl.simplehire.com/postings/search <https://mbl.simplehire.com/postings/search> to upload application materials. EEO Statement: MBL supports individuals in reaching their full potential by offering equal employment opportunities and an environment that actively values diversity. MBL complies with all applicable laws concerning hiring and employment practices and is firmly committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination by age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, genetic predisposition, national origin, military status, race, religion, or sexual orientation. MBL requires all newly-hired staff to undergo a background check. Background checks are conducted after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted by the applicant. Leslie C. Osborne, Ph.D. Department of Neurobiology Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy The University of Chicago 947 East 58th St. P415 Chicago IL 60637 osborne(a)uchicago.edu +1 773-834-7989

Sept. 7, 2017

Postdoc Position Available - Human Intracranial Electrophysiology

by Woolnough, Oscar

Postdoctoral Research Positions Available One postdoctoral research position is available at the NeuroImaging and Electrophysiology Lab (www.tandonlab.org) in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. This position is funded by a recently awarded BRAIN Initiative U01 grant for which Dr. Tandon is the PI. The project uses electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings on a large cohort (n=80) to evaluate psycho-linguistic models of reading and speech production with the goal being to create network level representation of language. Collaborators on the project with whom the post-doc will work closely are Nathan Crone (Hopkins), Greg Hickok (UCI), Stanislas Dehaene (College de France), Xaq Pitkow (Baylor) and Josh Breier (UT Houston). Project Description: This is a close multi center collaboration that brings together investigators with established track records in intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings, neuroscience of language and computational neuroscience to better understand the uniquely human behavior of reading and producing language. More details about the U01 grant are online at NIH Reporter. The post-doc will benefit from a close interaction with several experts in the fields of reading, semantics, and speech production. Post-doc Responsibilities: The selected individual is expected to be a highly motivated, team player that has the passion to study cognitive processes using direct recordings in humans. He or she will be responsible for 1) optimizing and refining paradigms for use in the project, 2) data collection in the epilepsy monitoring unit and in the MRI scanner, 3) ECoG data analysis using analysis pipelines existent in the lab and via the development of innovative strategies, and 4) data presentation at conferences, manuscript and grant writing. Requirements: The selected individual must have a Ph.D. in one or more of the following - neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, mathematics, electrical engineering or computer science. Previous experience in neural time series data analysis or functional imaging studies of reading or speech production is highly desirable. Crucial is the ability to independently code in either or all of the following – MATLAB, R or Python. Given the multiple unpredictable variables and privacy issues around data collection in human patients, the individual must possess high ethical and professionalism standards, be able to adapt to a changing environment, reorganize schedules dynamically, and work with tight deadlines. The individual must possess the ability to work effectively independently, yet collaborate effectively on projects with multiple investigators. A strong publication record and excellent prior academic credentials are highly desirable. If you are interested, you can email us at nitin.tandon(a)uth.tmc.edu or call us at (713) 500-5475.

Sept. 7, 2017

[publication and call for dialog] IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems, 14(1), 2017

by Pierre-Yves Oudeyer

Dear colleagues, I am happy to announce the release of the latest issue of the IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems (open access). This is a biannual newsletter addressing the sciences of developmental and cognitive processes in natural and artificial organisms, from humans to robots, at the crossroads of cognitive science, developmental psychology, artificial intelligence and neuroscience. It is available at: http://goo.gl/dyrg6s Featuring dialog: === "Exploring Robotic Minds by Predictive Coding Principle" == Dialog initiated by Jun Tani with responses from: Andy Clark, Doug Blank, James Marshall, Lisa Meeden, Stephane Doncieux, Giovanni Pezzulo, Martin Butz, Ezgi Kayhan, Johan Kwisthout and Karl Friston == Topic: The idea that the brain is pro-actively making predictions of the future at multiple levels of hierarchy has become a central topic to explain human intelligence and to design general artificial intelligence systems. This dialog discusses whether hierarchical predictive coding enables a paradigm shift in development robotics and AI. In particular, the dialog reviews the importance of various complementary mechanisms to predictive coding, which happen to be right now very actively researched in artificial intelligence: intrinsic motivation and curiosity, multi-goal learning, developmental stages (also called curriculum learning in machine learning), and the role of self-organization. They also underline several major challenges that need to be addressed for general artificial intelligence in autonomous robots, and that current research in deep learning fails to address: 1) the problem of the poverty of stimulus: autonomous robots, like humans, have access to only little data as they have to collect it themselves with severe time and space constraints; 2) the problem of information sampling: which experiments/observations to make to improve one’s world model. Finally, they also discuss the issue of how these mechanisms arise in infants and participate to their development. Call for new dialog: === "One Developmental Cognitive Architecture to Rule Them All?" == Dialog initiated by Matthias Rolf, Lorijn Zaadnoordijk, Johan Kwisthout == This new dialog asks whether and how it would be useful both epistemologically and in practice to aim towards the development of a “standard integrated cognitive architecture”, akin to “standard models” in physics. In par- ticular, they ask this question in the context of understanding development in infants, and of building developmental architectures, thus addressing the issue of architectures that not only learn, but that are adaptive themselves. Those of you interested in reacting to this dialog initiation are welcome to sub- mit a response by November 30th, 2017. The length of each response must be between 600 and 800 words including references (contact pierre-yves.oudeyer(a)inria.fr) Let me remind you that all issues of the newsletter are all open-access and available at: http://icdl-epirob.org/cdsnl I wish you a stimulating reading! Best regards, Pierre-Yves Oudeyer, Editor of the IEEE CIS Newsletter on Cognitive and Developmental Systems Chair of the IEEE CIS AMD Technical Committee on Cognitive and Developmental Systems Research director, Inria Head of Flowers project-team Inria and Ensta ParisTech, France http://www.pyoudeyer.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/pyoudeyer and Fabien Benureau Assistant Editor Inria Mnemosyne team http://fabien.benureau.com

Sept. 7, 2017

workshop on high performance computing in neuroscience

by Ted Carnevale

This year the workshop on the Neuroscience Gateway Portal (NSG) will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 AM to noon in downtown Washington DC near the convention center, as a satellite to the Society for Neuroscience meeting. This workshop will show you how to use this NSF-supported resource in your computationally- intensive modeling and data analysis projects. It will also feature presentations from neuroscientists on how they are using high performance computing (HPC) resources in their own research. The NSG has a simple, convenient browser-based interface for running simulations and data analysis tasks on HPC hardware, and provides free CPU time. It also has a RESTful interface for programmatic access. Currently installed software includes BluePyOpt, Brian, CARLsim, Freesurfer, GENESIS, MATLAB, MOOSE, NEST, NEURON, PyNN, and the Virtual Personalized Multimodal Connectome Pipeline. The registration deadline for this workshop is Friday Oct. 27, but you should register soon because space is limited. See http://www.neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/courses/nsg2017/nsg2017.html for more information and a link to the registration form. --Ted

Sept. 5, 2017

workshop announcement - Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of Cortical Dynamics - Rovereto Italy

by Stefano Panzeri

The HBP Partnering Project SloW Dyn <https://www.flagera.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/FLAG-ERA_JTC2015_Project_…>, a FLAG-ERA <https://www.flagera.eu>Project, in collaboration with the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia <http://cncs.iit.it/> and in collaboration with the EITN <https://www.eitn.org/> (European Institute of Theoretical Neuroscience, Human Brain Project) are organizing a one day workshop on: *Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of Cortical Dynamics* Location: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Corso Bettini 31, Rovereto, Italy Date and time: Friday September 22nd, 2017, from 9am to 6pm *Abstract:* Brain function is hypothesized to emerge from the concerted context-dependent dynamics of its networks. This workshop explores theoretical and experimental approaches for the analysis of brain dynamics at multiple spatial and temporal scales. *Confirmed speakers*: Ruth Benavides-Piccione, Cajal Institute, Madrid Maurizio Corbetta, University of Padova Egidio D'Angelo, University of Pavia Alain Destexhe CNRS, Paris Tommaso Fellin IIT, Genoa Mathieu Galtier, Rhythm, Paris Alessandro Gozzi, IIT, Rovereto Maurizio Mattia ISS, Rome Ruben Moreno-Bote, UPF, Barcelona Stefano Panzeri IIT, Rovereto Mavi Sanchez-Vives, IDIBAPS, Barcelona Davide Zoccolan, SISSA, Trieste Hosts: Stefano Panzeri and Tommaso Fellin Attendance is free, but prior registration is needed. For registration and more information, please email slowdynconference(a)gmail.com regards Stefano Panzeri

Sept. 5, 2017

REMINDER: Computational Neuroscience Job at the Krembil Research Institute

by Frances Skinner

Hello all, Just a reminder about the following Faculty position in Computational Neuroscience (see below). *To ensure consideration, please submit your application by September 11th for the latest.* Thank you. --------- https://www.recruitingsite.com/csbsites/uhncareers/JobDescri ption.asp?SiteID=10031&JobNumber=805761 Job Posting #8045761 Position: Computational Neuroscience Research Scientist Site: Krembil Research Institute/Toronto Western Hospital Department: Research Reports to: Director Status: Permanent Full-time The Krembil Research Institute at the University Health Network in Toronto Canada 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, research expertise and experience in mathematical and computational modeling, and research interests that complement those of the Institute in neurobiology and neurodegeneration. Candidates whose research interests encompasses cellular, micro/macro circuits and/or large scale brain models, and who have 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. The Krembil is one the principal research institutes of the University Health Network of academic teaching hospitals associated with the University of Toronto; the Krembil is also one of the largest research institutes in Canada focusing on human neurological disease from both a basic science and clinical research perspective. The University Health Network (UHN) is Canada's largest academic medical centre, comprising four major teaching hospitals. Qualified applicants must attach their letter of interest, research plan, resume PDF format to the online application and complete some initial screening questions. The search committee will begin to review applications in September with a potential start date in Winter 2018. Posted Date: June 22, 2017 Closing Date: Until filled UHN thanks all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. UHN is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity and equal opportunity. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the Bona-fide requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known when contacted. -- Frances Skinner, PhD Krembil Research Institute/UHN and Univ Toronto www.skinnerlab.org

Sept. 5, 2017

Postdoctoral Researcher Position

by Avrama Blackwell

The Computational and Experimental Neuroplasticity laboratory (http://krasnow1.gmu.edu/CENlab/avrama.html) of Kim “Avrama” Blackwell at George Mason University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research position / software engineer beginning Sept 1, 2017. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing cutting-edge research in computational systems biology & neuroscience by further development of our stochastic reaction-diffusion software, NeuroRD and further development of parameter optimization software. The position involves design and implementation of new features for both softwares, providing technical support to lab members developing NeuroRD models and investigating the role of calcium dynamics and cell signaling pathways in learning and plasticity, and writing journal articles and giving presentations on the new software features. CENlab is an interdisciplinary, dynamic and creative research group at Mason’s Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, located in northern Virginia (15 miles west of Washington, D.C.). Requirements: Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g. computer science, physics, bioinformatics, engineering) and at least one publication in reputable journal. Experience in software development (scientific software, python and C++ or JAVA preferred). Expertise with Unix operating systems. Knowledge of stochastic processes. To apply, please send curriculum vitae and cover letter to kblackw1(a)gmu.edu. Position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. The successful applicant will have office space, a unix computer workstation, and a post-doctoral level salary supplemented by excellent state employee benefits. More information: * NeuroRD website: https://github.com/neurord * Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study: http://krasnow1.gmu.edu * George Mason University: http://www.gmu.edu George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in a range of academic fields. Enrollment is 30,000, with students studying in over 150 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William. George Mason University is an equal opportunity employer encouraging diversity.

Sept. 5, 2017

Open position: Research scientist in the field of data analysis

by Orth, Boris

The Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) operates one of the most powerful supercomputing infrastructures in Europe and makes it available to researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich, in Germany and throughout Europe. The JSC’s “Federated Systems and Data” division develops software for data analysis, data management and access to distributed storage and computing systems. The “Simulation Laboratory Neuroscience” in the “High Performance Computing in Neuroscience” division of JSC provides community-specific support for neuroscientists with respect to complex simulations and data analyses on supercomputers, as well as their methods. Both divisions closely collaborate within the “Helmholtz Analytics Framework”. We are looking to recruit a Research scientist in the field of data analysis Your Job: In many scientific disciplines, the analysis of large data sets plays a crucial role. As part of a team in JSC, you will be working interdisciplinary with scientists from other institutes of Forschungszentrum Jülich, as well as from other Helmholtz Centres, in the areas of Earth System Modelling, Structural Biology, Aerospace, Medical Imaging and Neuroscience. In particular, you will analyse, develop and optimize analysis methods and workflows applied in neuroimaging. On this basis, you will support research groups in sharing their methods and tools, and in deriving generic methods and tools. Your Profile: * A university degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related subject * Profound knowledge and experience in algorithm development * Experience in software development and programming with languages such as Python, C++, R * Knowledge and experience with methods like multivariate statistics, error analysis, machine learning, inference approaches * Interest to collaborate closely with developers and users from academia and industry * Strong proactivity * Good command of spoken and written English and ideally German Ideally, good knowledge of * Scripting languages common in the Unix environment (Bash) * Parallel programming (MPI, OpenMP) * Common programming tools and software distribution systems (e.g., Docker, Easybuild) * Analysis of large neuroimaging datasets as well as the relevant software packages (e.g., FSL, FreeSurfer, MRtrix) Our Offer: * Excellent research and computing infrastructure of one of the largest research centres in Europe, ideally situated between the cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Aachen * A comprehensive further training programme, including English language courses * Flexible working hours and various opportunities to reconcile work and family life * Limited for 3 years with possible longer-term prospects * Full-time position with the option of slightly reduced working hours * Salary and social benefits in conformity with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD). Forschungszentrum Jülich aims to employ more women in this area and therefore particulary welcomes applications from women. We also welcome applications from disabled persons. We look forward to receiving your application, preferably online<https://www.hrecruiting.de/obf2/bewerbermanagement.php?kunden_nr=t5ChjatkIf…> via our online recruitment system on our career site, quoting the reference number 2017-194. Contact Human Resource Development and Recruiting Judith Dresen Tel.:+49 2461 61 9700 -- Dr. Boris Orth HPC in Neuroscience Jülich Supercomputing Centre Institute for Advanced Simulation Tel +49 2461 61-9123 Fax +49 2461 61-6656 www.fz-juelich.de/ias/jsc<http://www.fz-juelich.de/ias/jsc> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sept. 5, 2017

ANDA 2018 - G-Node Advanced Neural Data Analysis Course, March 5 - 22, 2018, Jülich, Germany

by Frings, Maren

ANDA 2018 - G-Node Advanced Neural Data Analysis Course March 5 - 22, 2018 Haus Overbach, Juelich-Barmen, Germany Techniques to record neuronal data from populations of neurons are rapidly improving. Simultaneous recordings from hundreds of channels are possible while animals perform complex behavioral tasks. The analysis of such massive and complex data becomes increasingly challenging. This advanced course aims at providing deeper training in state-of-the-art analysis approaches in systems neuroscience. The course is addressed to excellent master and PhD students and young researchers who are interested in learning advanced techniques in data analytics and in getting hands-on experience in the analysis of electrophysiological data. Internationally renowned researchers will give lectures on statistical data analysis and data mining methods with accompanying exercises. Students will define and perform their own analyses on provided data to solve a challenge. Participants are required to have a strong interest in data analysis, a background in a mathematical or related field, knowledge of algebra, matrix operations, and statistics, and need to have solid programming experience (preferably in Python). Date and Venue March 5 - 22, 2018 Haus Overbach, Juelich-Barmen, Germany Faculty · Moshe Abeles, Bar-Ilan Univ, Israel · Michael Denker, Juelich Research Center and RWTH Aachen Univ, Germany · Alain Destexhe, CNRS, Gif sur Yvette, France · Sonja Grün, Juelich Research Center and RWTH Aachen Univ, Germany · Björn Kampa, RWTH Aachen, Germany · Christian Machens, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Portugal · Martin Nawrot, University of Cologne, Germany · Yifat Prut, Hebrew Univ Jerusalem, Israel · Alexa Riehle, CNRS, Marseille, France · Jonathan Victor, Weill Cornell Medical College, USA · Thomas Wachtler, G-Node, LMU Munich, Germany Topics covered Single neuron properties and statistics · Stochastic processes · Surrogate methods · Detection of spatio-temporal patterns · Unitary Events · Statistical analysis of massively parallel spike data · Higher-order correlation analyses · Spike-LFP relationship · Population coding · State space analysis · Machine learning · Data mining · Data management, reproducibility, data sharing · Elephant toolbox Requirements Applicants should be familiar with linear algebra, probability, differential and integral calculus and experienced using Python or Matlab. Preparatory reading material will be provided. Students should bring their own laptops and should be able to install software on their system. Students that do not have a suitable laptop should indicate this immediately after acceptance to the course. We will be able to provide a small number of laptops for the time of the course. Course Fee A course fee of 800 Euros will be charged to accepted students. The course fee contributes to covering accommodation and meals, including coffee breaks. A few stipends will be available to support students with documented need of funding. Housing Accommodation in 2-bed rooms for students will be provided at the course site. How to apply The application should include · a letter of motivation (max 1 page) · curriculum vitae (please indicate the relevant courses you have taken) · description of programming experience · a letter of recommendation. Please send all documents as a single PDF file to <advanced-course(a)g-node.org<mailto:advanced-course@g-node.org>>. Deadlines Applications must be received by October 15, 2017. Early application is encouraged because number of participants is limited. For further information see https://portal.g-node.org/advanced-course-2018/ Organizers · Sonja Grün, Juelich Research Center and RWTH Aachen Univ, Germany · Martin Nawrot, University of Cologne, Germany · Thomas Wachtler, G-Node, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany Dr. Maren Frings Scientific Coordinator Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-6) Computational and Systems Neuroscience & Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6) Theoretical Neuroscience Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and JARA 52425 Jülich, Germany Building 15.22 Room 4004 Phone +49 2461 61-9468 Fax +49 2461 61-9460 m.frings(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:m.frings@fz-juelich.de> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sept. 5, 2017

Bernstein 2017 Workshop, "The Neural Code: Universal Grammar or Area-Specific Mechanisms?"

by Hazem Toutounji

Dear Colleagues, We would like to draw your attention to the upcoming workshop *The Neural Code: Universal Grammar or Area-Specific Mechanisms?* at the *Bernstein Conference 2017*, which will take place preceding the conference on *September 12-13* in *Göttingen, Germany*. *Abstract:* The brain responds to sensory stimuli with complex, yet structured, patterns of action potentials, which in turn gives rise to perception, action, remembrance and other facets of the organism's mental life. Finding order in the complexity of neural activity, and the quest for the neural code, occupied much of both experimental and theoretical neuroscience in the last decades. Several general theories of how the brain might encode and transfer information have been suggested, partly backed by experimental evidence. Attractor dynamics, binding by synchrony, brain oscillations acting at multiple temporal scales and Bayesian coding are some of the more prominent proposals into this direction. The debate whether these strategies are different facets of a fundamental neural grammar, or are local codes within functionally distinct brain regions, is far from settled. The aim of the workshop is to bring together experts in the field of neural coding, in order to discuss basic mechanisms of information encoding and the deeper question of whether there is a unifying grammar of neural representations. Schedule: Tue, Sept 12, 2017 13:00 Damian Battaglia, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France *Do oscillations modulate information processing? From routing states to computing modes* 13:45 Mattia Rigotti, Physical Sciences Department, IBM T. J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY *Functional role of the dimensionality of neural responses* 14:30 General discussion 15:00 Coffee Break 15:30 Máté Lengyel, University of Cambridge, UK *A sampling-based neural code of uncertainty in V1 (and I bet elsewhere, too)* 16:15 Nicolas Brunel, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA *Statistics of connectivity in networks optimizing information storage: fixed point attractors vs sequences* 17:00 Misha Tsodyks, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel *Population spikes codes for processing and working memory* 17:45 General discussion Wed, Sept 13, 2017 9:00 Stefano Panzeri, Neural Computation Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy *The relationship between cross-cell coupling and the timescales of population coding across cortex* 9:45 Thilo Womelsdorf, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA *Neural coding and inter-areal integration of goal-relevant information using spike bursts* 10:30 *Coffee break* 11:00 Pascal Fries, Ernst Strüngmann Institute for Neuroscience in Cooperation with Max Planck Society, Frankfurt am Main, Germany *Rhythms for Cognition: Communication through Coherence* 11:45 Genaral discussion Kind regards, Eleonora Russo and Hazem Toutounji -- Dr. rer. nat. Hazem Toutounji Postdoctoral Researcher in Theoretical Neuroscience Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University Square J5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany office: +49-621-1703-2366

Sept. 4, 2017