Post-doc in Mathematical Neuroscience, Nottingham

Marie Curie Actions Experienced Researcher (Postdoctoral researcher)

Mathematical Neuroscience

£50,352 - £58,236 per annum depending on circumstance in accordance with Marie Curie Actions.

Applications are invited for the above post to work with Professor S Coombes and Dr Noah Russell on a Marie Curie Initial Training Network funded project in Mathematical Neuroscience to underpin work at Nottingham on Synthetic Cognition.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a joint venture between Mathematical Sciences and the Neurophotonics Research Laboratory on an EC funded project in Neural Engineering with a focus on theoretical work to understand neural computation.  The Nottingham Neurophotonics Laboratory is developing cutting edge technology to study small networks of living neurons connected to a virtual environment programmed on a real-time computer. This project will involve the development of a phase-amplitude framework, for describing physiologically realistic models of single neurons, into a useful tool for addressing fundamental questions in neuroscience, and specifically the dynamical evolution of states observed in living micro-culture neuronal arrays.  A major focus will be on the use of powerful new ideas in dynamical systems theory to understand the transitions between network states, their control, and influence by an external environment.  The ultimate aim of this work is to develop a deep understanding of cognition at an elemental level. 

Candidates must be in the first 5 years of their research careers and already be in possession of a doctoral degree (or be close to completion) in mathematics, physics or engineering.  Preference will be given to candidates with experience in mathematical and computational neuroscience.  As part of our commitment to promoting diversity we encourage applications from women.  To comply with the Marie Curie Actions rule for mobility applicants must not have resided, worked or studied in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to Sept 2012.

This full-time post is available from the 3 September 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter and will be offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 24 months.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof S Coombes email: stephen.coombes@nottingham.ac.uk.  Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.  For information about the School of Mathematical Sciences, one of the most active in the UK, see: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/mathematics/index.aspx

For more details and/or to apply on-line please access: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/Jobs/CurrentVacancies/ref/SCI1146.  If you are unable to apply on-line please contact the Human Resources Department, tel: +44(0)115 915205.  Please quote ref SCI/1146.  Closing date: 2 July 2012.

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Stephen Coombes

Professor of Applied Mathematics

School of Mathematical Sciences

Nottingham, UK

Tel:  0115 846 7836

Fax: 0115 951 3837

http://www.maths.nott.ac.uk/~sc/

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Concerto Oficial da Sinfônica do RN: 29/05, 20h

Mensagem de meu amigo Renzo Torrecuso


Amanha , terça 29/05, vou participar do concerto oficial da Orquestra Sinfonica do RN, as 20 entrada franca.

Depois de uma boa aula de Sistema Auditivo e um papo com alguns colegas sobre a ida e não ida das pessoas à concertos de música sinfônica, (passando por temas como André Rieu tocando com orquestra "Ai se eu te pego" no Faustão), decidi fazer minha parte no sentido de fomentar a ida a concertos.

Acredito que além dos valores instrínsecos do programa ( música 100% acústica, rica variedade de timbres ( mais de 10 tipos de instrumentos diferentes), oportunidade de sentar exclusivamente para ouvir música, etc) há o a possibilidade de desenvolver o gosto por uma arte tão abstrata quanto forte no despertar de emoções: uma sinfonia não tem letra e não representa diretamente coisa alguma... mas emociona.

 Que pena que ela seja tão chata! Sim. A princípio é um esforço sentar e ouvir uma sinfonia de Mozart. A boa notícia é que como todas as coisas boas da vida, como nossa querida Neurociencia, a música vai ficando exponencialmente melhor e mais emocionante a medida que se aprofunda o entendimento e contato.

Então envio uma introdução que escrevi da parte estrutural do que será tocado. Dessa forma acredito que se torne mais fácil se aproximar mais da linguagem musical.

Então é isso, todos convidados.
Para os que quiserem segue abaixo uma introdução à estrutura  e contextualização das obras.
Abraço


Programa:
1- Abertura Flauta Mágica;
2- Missa em Dó Maior,
3- Sinfonia 41 "Jupiter".

1- A Abertura  pertence à ópera de mesmo nome e foi consagrada uma das obras mais importantes do Mozart.
Esta é uma obra inspirada em motivos maçônicos e o início é lento, fazendo alusão ao começo de uma cerimonia ritualistica com 3 toques em fortíssimo de toda a orquestra, com enfease nos instrumentos de sopro( metais).
Segue o desenvolvimento de um tema atribuído ao personagem Papageno da ópera, mais agitado e rapido. Merece atenção como o tema começa nos segundos violinos( sessão interna de violinos) e passa para os primeiros ( sessão externa...onde eu toco :)  e depois para as violas e violoncelos.
Depois que os sopros fazem um tema derivado deste do Papageno ocorre uma nova "chamada ritualística". Dessa vez o tema é desenvolvido em tonalidades menores de forma mais dramática.
O fim deste desenvolvimento é anunciado pelos instrumentos de sopro ( trombone, trompete e flauta) encaminhando para a finalização da abertura.
Abaixo o link com a obra

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwub-9dZLFU

2- Missa em Do.
É uma obra para cantores líricos , coro e orquestra.
Não tenho muito que falar dessa obra.  Segue o link wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Mass_in_C_minor
Não achei o link no youtube.


3- A Sinfonia Jupiter.
Tem 4 movimentos e por isso é um padrão não aplaudir entre um movimento e outro.

PRIMEIRO MOVIMENTO. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-tuoUD86YI
É uma típica forma sonata: TEMA A-;    TEMA B-;   RECAPITULAÇÃO- ;   DESENVOLVIMENTO-;   TEMA A E TEMA B diferenciados- CODA.

a- TEMA A- Um tema rítmico , agitado e enérgico inicia com toda orquestra e é respondido pelos violinos. O mesmo tema é então executado pelos sopros com os violinos respondendo em piano( com menos volume de som). Os dois grupos ( cordas e sopros) finalizam o primeiro tema.

b- TEMA B, 1´ 24´´; tema mais melodico, cantado, calmo, presentado pelos primeiros violinos, segundos acompanhando e sopros e violoncelos respondendo.

Curiosamente nessa sinfonia há uma variação que apresenta um novo segundo tema preparado por uma quebra de expectativa: um fortíssimo em uma inesperada tonalidade menor ( 2´01´´) faz parecer que a obra esta caminhando pro desenvolvimento. Depois de um enérgico desenvolvimento das cordas apoiado pelos metais surge um repentino silencio( 2´30´´) e o verdadeiro TEMA B é apresentado nos primeiros violinos respondido nos celos.

c- RECAPITULAÇÃO 3´03´´( repetição do que já foi mostrado até então)-

d- DESENVOLVIMENTO- 6´05´´
O TEMA B é reapresentado em muitas tonalidades e variações são feitas sobre o TEMA B e TEMA A. Interessante observar como os dois temas são tocados em diferentes naipes.

e-  TEMA A e TEMA B-  diferenciados. 7´46´´ Nessa sessão várias pequenas mudanças são feitas no que já foi apresentado, é um bom momento da obra pra observar como o Mozart concebeu a arquitetura temática.

f- CODA. ( fechamento do movimento)



SEGUNDO MOVIMENTO.
Mozart gostava de "viajar" no caráter meditativo dos segundos movimentos. São sempre lentos e mais expressivos, dramáticos.

TERCEIRO MOVIMENTO
Depois da "meditação" vem sempre uma dança.É um movimento inspirado nas danças de salão da época que migraram para as festas populares.

QUARTO MOVIMENTO.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TlG2zRWaLU&feature=relmfu
Um fugato. Um tema é apresentado nos primeiros violinos, depois nos violoncelos, depois nos sopros; em cada grupo de instrumentos vai sendo variado. Um segundo tema é acrescentado e continua esse procedimento. Um tema "foge do outro" percorrendo diferente familias de instrumentos. É o movimento mais cult da sinfonia pela engenhosidade de misturar até 3 temas simultaneos.


É isso!
Divirtam-se.
Abraço

POST-DOCTORAL GRANT on Reusable Deep Neural Networks: applications to biomedical data

POST-DOCTORAL GRANT

A Post-Doctoral Grant vacancy is now open under the project Reusable Deep Neural Networks: applications to biomedical data (Ref PTDC/EIA-EIA/119004/2010).

Admission requirements: PhD degree in Informatics or Mathematics (or with strong connection with these areas) with research experience in Artificial Neural Networks and good programming skills. Preferred skills: experience in Pattern Recognition and/or deep neural networks.

More information available at http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=29840

__________________________________________________

Jorge M. Santos

Assistant Professor, PhD

Department of Mathematics

ISEP, School of Engineering. Polytechnic of Porto. Portugal

Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431

P-4200-072 PORTO

PORTUGAL

Post-Doctoral position in brain imaging and computational morphometry – University of Geneva

Post-Doctoral applications are invited at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Geneva, in collaboration with the Swiss Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland. Projects will include the development of new data-driven computational morphometry methods for analysis of structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, and application of these to large datasets in the context of normal variability, disease, and expertise.

Candidates should have a degree in Biomedical Engineering, Computational Neuroscience, or a related field with a strong mathematical and computational background, and ideally experience in pattern recognition and brain image analysis as well as excellent programming skills.

We offer a competitive starting salary of 68, 964 CHF/year.

The position is available immediately, and applications will be considered until the position is filled. Informal inquiries can be addressed to Narly Golestani (Narly.Golestani@unige.ch). Applications including a CV, a statement of research interests, and the names and full contact details of three referees should be sent to: Narly.Golestani@unige.ch.
______________________________

_________________
Comp-neuro mailing list
Comp-neuro@neuroinf.org
http://www.neuroinf.org/mailman/listinfo/comp-neuro

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN EXPERIMENTAL/THEORETICAL NEUROSCIENCE

The Computational Biology Lab (http://www.imbb.forth.gr/people/poirazi/index.htm) at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH, www.imbb.forth.gr), headed by Dr. Panayiota Poirazi (http://www.imbb.forth.gr/personal_page/poirazi_new.html), invites applications for a postdoctoral (or senior researcher) position (21 months) that will be available as part of the EC-FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) NAMASEN offering research training in Neuroelectronics and Nanotechnology: towards a Multidisciplinary Approach for the Science and Engineering of Neuronal Networks (http://www.namasen.net). The position comes with very competitive salary and travel money, as well as the possibility of extended visits to the participating groups.

The title of the individual research project at CBL is:

"Clustered plasticity and network emergent states"

The fellow will focus on the mathematical investigation and machine-learning classification of collective electrical properties, emerging in neuronal networks coupled to multielectrode arrays and neuroelectronic hybrids. Specifically, he/she will first use patch clamp recordings to study the passive and active electrophysiological properties of neurons in in vitro neuronal networks as well as the presence of synaptic currents following electrical stimulation. In addition, different stimulation protocols will be applied to study whether neuronal networks express specific types of plasticity. We are mostly interested in identifying stimuli that are predicted theoretically to give rise to highly interconnected neuronal sub-networks.
He/she will then explore the consequences of clustered plasticity rules in conductance-based model neurons. Modeling studies will be performed using the NEURON simulation environment in order to build a network of detailed compartmental models of neurons, where synapses capable of exhibiting plasticity properties like the ones recorded in the physiological experiments will be incorporated. Models will be used to generate predictions about how specific stimuli delivered either to randomly selected neurons in a distributed manner throughout the model system or to nearby neurons in a specific location (clustered) of the model system could alter the electrical and/or structural properties of the network.

The methodologies to be used in this project include patch-clamp recordings and computational modelling, therefore the fellow should ideally have previous training in both or either of these techniques.

According to the eligibility criteria, the fellow MUST NOT

1.      be a Greek citizen,

2.      have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Greece for more than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately prior to April 1st 2012.

3.      have worked in a research position / received research training for more than 5 years of his/her undergraduate degree.

Start date: Immediately

Candidates that match the required profile will be continuously interviewed until the position is filled. Candidates should send a resume and two (2) reference letters to poirazi[at]imbb.forth.gr. If possible, recommendations should be send by the referees directly by email at poirazi[at]imbb.forth.gr.

-- 

Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D.
Research Associate Professor
Computational Biology Laboratory
Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB)
Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH)
Vassilika Vouton
P.O.Box 1385
GR 711 10 Heraklion, Crete
GREECE

Tel: +30 2810 391139
Fax: +30 2810 391101
Εmail: poirazi@imbb.forth.gr
URL: http://www.imbb.forth.gr/personal_page/poirazi.html

Postdoctoral position in mathematical neuroscience

A postdoctoral associate position is available in the group of Dr. Nykamp at the University of Minnesota.  We are looking for applicants with a background in applied mathematics and/or theoretical neuroscience.  The postdoctoral associate will study the influence of network structure on neuronal network dynamics and behavior.

The position will begin around September 1, 2012, and will continue at  least one year, with a possible extension based on successful performance and the availability of additional funding.

Applications can be submitted at https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/3703.  Contact Duane Nykamp at nykamp@math.umn.edu for more information.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity Employer/Educator.

--
Duane Nykamp
School of Mathematics
University of Minnesota
202 Vincent Hall
206 Church St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
www.math.umn.edu/~nykamp

Open PhD-position : Complex Dynamical Systems / Cognitive System Theory

 At the Institute for Theoretical Physics,
 University of Frankfurt am Main,

 Field(s): complex systems, information routing,
           neural networks,

 Application deadline: June 28, 2012

 Supervisor: Prof. Claudius Gros

 E-mail: cgr@itp.uni-frankfurt.de

 Address: Institute for Theoretical Physics,
          Goethe University Frankfurt,

 Job description:
 Applications are invited for a PhD position at the
 Institute for Theoretical Physics, Frankfurt University,
 with a TV-G-U E13 salary (50%), equivalent
 to about 1000 Euro monthly.

 The general focus of the research group is the development
 of the theory of complex and cognitive systems:
 generating principles, functionality and control.

 The field of research for the announced PhD position
 involves the study of information routing models,
 a novel class of dynamical network models.

 The candidates should  have a Diploma/Master in
 physics with an excellent academic track record
 and good computational skills. Experience or strong interest
 in the fields of complex systems and/or artificial or biological
 cognitive systems is expected. The degree of scientific
 research experience is expected to be on the level of a
 German Diploma/Master.

 The appointments will start fall 2012, for
 up to three years.

 Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae,
 a list of publications and arrange for two letters of
 reference to be sent to the address below.

   Maripola Kolokotsa
   Institute for Theoretical Physics
   Goethe University Frankfurt
   Max-von-Laue-Str. 1
   60438 Frankfurt am Main
   Germany
   cgr@itp.uni-frankfurt.de

   http://itp.uni-frankfurt.de/~gros

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***********
*** Prof. Dr. Claudius Gros           ***
*** +49 (0)69 798 47818              ***
*** http://itp.uni-frankfurt.de/~gros ***
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--- Complex and Adaptive Dynamical Systems, A Primer ---
--- A graduate-level textbook, Springer (2008/09/10) ---

Two PhD positions in Computational Neuroscience in Bremen, Germany (salary E13/2)

Two PhD positions in Computational Neuroscience in Bremen, Germany (salary E13/2)

These positions are part of the newly established research group ‘Rapid Parallel Configuration of Visual Information Processing’. The group is funded by the BMBF via the Bernstein Award for Computational Neurosciences (1.25 Mio. €), granted to the group leader Dr. Udo Ernst. Research is divided into four interdisciplinary subprojects combining theory, simulation, and experimental work. Applications in either English or German language should include a letter of motivation, CV, copies of school and university certificates (master/diploma or equivalent), and should be sent to ajanssen@neuro.uni-bremen.de until May 31st, 2012. For a more detailed description of the research project and other open positions, please visit our web site at http://www.bernstein.uni-bremen.de

(1) Neural mechanisms, anatomical structures, and collective dynamics of rapid functional configuration

Goal of the first PhD-thesis is to investigate parallel functional configuration in the visual system by performing bottom-up modelling in combination with numerical simulations and mathematical analysis. This work also includes assistance in analyzing data from neurophysiological recordings in collaboration with the other subprojects, and generating model predictions for the ongoing experiments.
The candidate should possess a master/diploma or an equivalent degree in natural sciences (i.e., Physics, Mathematics or Computer Sciences), and have a strong background in dynamical systems/non-linear dynamics/information theory. Proficiency in a higher computer language such as C, Python, or Matlab is required. Ideally, the PhD student should have basic knowledge about neuronal networks and the physiology of the visual system. We expect a high motivation for communicating and collaborating with the other subprojects.

(2) Computational principles of rapid functional configuration

Goal of the second PhD-thesis is to analyze parallel functional configuration in the visual system as adaptive information processing within the framework of probabilistic generative models. On the basis of the models emerging from this top-down approach, approximate neuronal algorithms shall be derived that realize functional configuration under biophysically realistic constraints in hierarchical networks. The PhD student will collaborate with the other subprojects, for comparing model dynamics to psychophysics, and for developing novel experimental paradigms suitable for testing specific model predictions.
The candidate should possess a master/diploma or an equivalent degree in natural sciences (i.e., Physics, Mathematics or Computer Sciences), and have a strong background in generative models/probabilistic networks/information theory. Proficiency in a higher computer language such as C, Python, or Matlab is required. Ideally, the PhD student should have basic knowledge about nonlinear dynamics and the physiology of the visual system. We expect a high motivation for communicating and collaborating with the other subprojects.

General Information

The group is hosted by the Center for Cognitive Sciences (Zentrum für Kognitionswissenschaften, ZKW; http://www.zkw.uni-bremen.de) in the new Cognium building on the campus of the University Bremen. Neuroscience is one of the special research foci at the university, which includes different labs working in Human Psychophysics, Electrophysiology, Neuropharmacology, Psychology, Computer Sciences and other related disciplines. Bremen is a nice little town in northern Germany with a rich maritime history. The city offers a vivid cultural life, with cinemas, performing arts, music events, and street festivals. Enjoy the cafes or bistros in charming old houses, discover the beauties of a landscape between water and sky on your bike, or visit the seashore with dunes and dikes!