We are inviting applications for a postdoctoral position in the group
‘Modelling of dynamic perception and action’
(http://www.cbs.mpg.de/depts/n-3/dyn) at the Max Planck Institute for
Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI-CBS), in Leipzig, Germany.

Current projects of the group focus on developing computational models
that explain human action and perception by means of Bayesian online
inference for nonlinear dynamical systems. An additional emphasis is
placed on linking these dynamic models to experimental work on
perception and action.

The research is conducted at the MPI-CBS in Leipzig, Germany, an
internationally leading centre for cognitive and imaging neuroscience.
The projects are partly in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust Centre
for Neuroimaging in London, UK. For theoretical work, the institute is
equipped with high-performance computing facilities. For experimental
work, the institute is equipped with a 7.0T MRI scanner, two 3.0T MRI
scanners, a 306 channels MEG system, a TMS and several EEG systems. All
facilities are supported by experienced physics and IT staff.

Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent) in physics, neuroscience, or
a related field and should be able to demonstrate a consistently
outstanding academic record including publications. The ideal candidate
has expertise in nonlinear dynamical systems, has worked in neuroscience
before and is motivated to apply his/her expertise in a
multidisciplinary team (mathematicians, engineers, psychologists). The
candidate is expected to be an innovative and enthusiastic researcher
with an interest in working on projects within the general framework of
the group. The candidate will also be encouraged to actively contribute
with own ideas and proposals.

Starting date for the position is flexible. Salary is dependent on
experience and based on MPI stipends or equivalent salary according to
German Public service regulations. The position is initially for two
years with possible extension.

The MPI-CBS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the
advancement of individuals without regard to ethnicity, religion,
gender, age or disability.

Interested candidates are encouraged to get in touch at their earliest
convenience. Applications are considered until 1st of October 2010 but
reviewing of the applications will start immediately.

For questions or an informal discussion about this position please
contact Dr. Stefan Kiebel (kiebel at cbs.mpg.de; +49 (0) 341-9940-2435).

The following documents should be included in the application in a
single PDF-file:
- curriculum vitae
- contact details of two personal references
- a brief description of personal qualifications and future research
interests.

Applications should be sent by email to: dynamics at cbs.mpg.de

Three Postdocs in Brain Decoding Project at Brain and Behavior Discovery Institute

Medical College of Georgia, GA USA

The Brain and Behavior Discovery Institute at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) is seeking three postdocs to join Professor Joe Z. Tsien’s laboratory on the Brain Decoding Project. Current projects include network-level mechanisms of vision, learning and memory, and spatial navigation. Our tools include large-scale electrical array recording in behaving animals and computational modeling. Candidates should have experiences in computer programming C++, Matlabs, or background in biophysics with strong interest in neuroscience. MCG is Georgia’s only health sciences university, founded in 1828 and located in a historic city with outstanding recreational and lifestyle opportunities.

Please submit a CV, a statement of current and future research interests, and arrange 3 letters of recommendation to:

Joe Z. Tsien, Ph.D.

Co-Director, Professor of Neuology

The Brain and Behavior Discovery Institute

School of Medicine

Medical College of Georgia

Augusta, GA 30912-4750, USA

jtsien -at- mcg.edu

Advanced Scientific Programming in Python

Contact: python-info[AT]g-node.org

Deadline: July 26, 2010

2 postdoctoral positions available

Neurobiology and Computational Neuroscience

BBSRC funding for 3 years, available immediately. Closing date 26 July 2010

£30,747 to £35,646

A systems approach to understanding sensory-motor control of aimed limb movements

Dr Tom Matheson (Biology, University of Leicester, UK) and Prof Rodrigo Quian Quiroga (Engineering, University of Leicester) are seeking 2 postdoctoral associates to work on a new BBSRC-funded project that will combine intracellular and multielectrode array recordings with movement kinematic analyses and innovative signal processing techniques to investigate the sensory-motor control of aimed limb movements.

Post 1 (electrophysiology) will be based in the Department of Biology and will have responsibility for establishing and using a new multielectrode array recording setup to analyse the activity of neurones underlying aimed scratching movements in an insect, the locust. The candidate will ideally have experience of multielectrode array recording.

Post 2 (computational neuroscience) will be based in the Department of Engineering and will have responsibility for developing, testing and using spike processing and detection methods.

Both post holders will be incorporated into active well-funded research groups that provide excellent facilities and friendly productive working environments. The post holders will work closely together to achieve the aims of the joint project, with many opportunities for cross-disciplinary training.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Tom Matheson (Post 1, tm75–AT–le.ac.uk) or Rodrigo Quian Quiroga (Post 2, rqqg1–AT–le.ac.uk).

Lab web pages can be found at: http://www.le.ac.uk/biology/tm/Matheson.htm and
www.le.ac.uk/neuroengineering.

Further particulars and application forms are available at: http://www2.le.ac.uk/jobs or http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/150049-Research-Associate-in-Neuroscience

POSTDOC POSITION: COMPUTATIONAL NEUROIMAGING -RUMBA LABS

We seek a postdoctoral applicant for a position at Rutgers University – Newark in New Jersey in the RUBMA Lab (Rutgers Brain/Mind Analysis; www.rumba.rutgers.edu) Applicants should have a background in one, and preferably several, of the following area: statistical learning methods, neural signal processing, neuroimaging (EEG and/or fMRI), cognitive neuroscience. A Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience or Computational Neuroscience, Computer Science, Engineering is preferred. Our lab was one of the first development sites for new methods and techniques related to "brain reading" including premier tools such as pyMVPA. Our Cognitive/Perceptual research is focused on learning and memory, specifically in terms of language supporting functions and modularity: Categorization, representation (are there brain modules?), sequential learning, event cognition etc. Our Computational research areas includes multivariate classifiers for fMRI, graph modeling of large scale brain interactivity (Ramsey et al 2010; intrinsic/extrinsic networks) as well as spatial brain clustering (Dense Mode Clustering; Hanson et al 2008, MRI) and inter-brain synchrony metrics (Eigen-Value-Synchrony methods- Hanson et al, 2009, Comp. Neuroscience). We are located in beautiful downtown Newark, 13 miles outside of New York City. See http://www rumba.rutgers.edu for more information) Position could start in summer or fall of 2010. This is a two year postdoctoral position with possible third year renewal.

Note: Applicants must be US Citizens or green card holders.

Interested applicants should send a current CV, names of potential recommenders

To jose–AT–psychology.rutgers.edu WITH SUBJECT HEADING: POSTDOC
Rutgers University is an equal opportunity employer.

The Faculty of Biology at the Albert-Ludwig University Freiburg, Germany,

invites applications for the position of Full Professor (BesGr. W3, tenured) of Neurobiology and Neurotechnology to be filled as early as possible.

The tasks associated with the position include teaching in the field of
Neurobiology and Neurotechnology. The candidate’s research should be in the
field of systems neuroscience, covering sensorimotor learning in mammalian
models and humans, as well as neurotechnology and its applications.

This research should employ modern neurobiological techniques and link into
the neurobiological research centers and research institutions at the
University of Freiburg. For further information on the research profile of
the position and its scientific environment please visit the homepage of the
Faculty of Biology www.biologie.uni-freiburg.de as well as
www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de and www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/bfnt.

A university degree, doctoral degree, German habilitation or proof of
equivalent scientific and pedagogical qualification are required. At the
time of appointment the candidate must be younger than 52 years of age.

The University aims to increase the proportion of female professors and
therefore encou-rages women meeting the above qualifications to apply.
Handicapped candidates with equivalent qualifications will be given
preference.

Please send your application with the usual documents (preferentially in
electronic form – e-mail: dekanat-AT-biologie.uni-freiburg.de) not later than
July 31st, 2010 to the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Schaenzlestr. 1,
79104 Freiburg, Germany.

BCBT is an annual international summer school that promotes a shared systems-level understanding of the functional architecture of the brain and its possible emulation in artificial systems. BCBT addresses students and researchers involved in research at the interface between brains and technology such as in the ambit of “Bio-ICT convergence” "Brain Inspired ICT" and “cognitive systems and
robotics”. BCBT is an school organized by SPECS (UPF) and supported by the Convergent Science Network of Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems CSN network consortium (http://www.csnetwork.eu/).

Students will have the opportunity to attend lectures from prominent scientist in the field of brain research, neuroscience, artificial intelligent and related fields (see the webpage for the speakers for this year and of preceding schools). Student will also attend tutorials and work on projects that will be presented at the end of the 2 weeks of the summer school. A limited number of student scholarships are available.

BCBT can accommodate about 50 participants. Student participants are required to attend the school for the full duration and perform a collaborative project.

Format:
Morning:
Lectures (2 x 2 hours including sufficient time for discussion)
No slides jam session (30 minutes presentation on future results)
The talks have been organized around a number of themes with emphasis
on brain architecture and systems and their advanced capabilities such
as consciousness.

Afternoon/Evening:
Week 1: Skills: simulation techniques, robot control techniques,
experimental design, analysis methods, etc combined with work on the
projects.
Week 2: Project work and final presentation

Suggested projects:
Participants are encouraged and students are required to develop, in
small teams, their own project that does NOT directly relate to the
work they usually engage in. Participants are encouraged to bring
their own hardware/software systems that can be used in projects. In
addition, the organizers will present a selection of possible projects.
see an example below:

1. When the cortex wrinkles up does your IQ go up?
2. Models of consciousness: if I am, are you too…. conscious ???
3. Building a brain for conscious machines: why bother at all???
4. An artificial cerebellum to increase bunda shakes during capuera
5. Building a brain for the humanoid robot iCub:
Make it jump: Controlling a robot with your brain

For more info on talks, tutorials and projects please refer to the
BCBT web page http://bcbt.upf.edu/bcbt10/

POST DOCTORAL POSITION IN THE CENTER FOR NEURAL ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND MECHANICS DEPARTMENT
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

The Center for Neural Engineering in the Department of Engineering
Science and Mechanics at The Pennsylvania State University invites
applicants for a postdoctoral position to work with Dr. Patrick Drew,
Assistant Professor in the Center for Neural Engineering starting in the summer/fall of 2010. The lab is interested in the control, dynamics and development of cerebral blood flow and uses two-photon microscopy, electrophysiology and intrinsic optical imaging. Possible projects include: 1) Studying the pathways coupling neural activity and cortical blood flow in awake behaving mice. 2) Understanding the role of experience and neural activity in shaping the development and plasticity of the cerebral vasculature.

Qualifications for the position include a PhD in Neuroscience,
Physiology, Biomedical Engineering or related field is required.
Experience working with animals, electrophysiology, optical imaging and
MATLAB would be helpful, but is not required.

Review of applications will begin immediately. The position is for one
year with a strong possibility of renewal for a second year.

Applicants should send a statement of research interests, CV, and three
letters of recommendation to: Patrick Drew by e-mail to pjd17-AT-psu.edu or to the following postal address:

Patrick Drew, Assistant Professor
Center for Neural Engineering
Dept. Engineering Science and Mechanics & Dept. Neurosurgery
The Pennsylvania State University
212 Earth-Engineering Sciences Building
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 863-1473

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and
the diversity of its workforce.

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST http://www.oist.jp) invites applications for new faculty positions as it enters a period of growth in preparation for transition to an international graduate university in 2012. Approximately 15 faculty positions will be filled during this search. OIST provides a world-class research environment in newly completed facilities in an area of distinctive culture, unique ecology, and outstanding natural beauty.

Successful candidates will be given the opportunity to excel in their chosen area of research, and will be expected to contribute to graduate teaching, research supervision and other academic activities. Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent degree, and demonstrate excellence in research.

The initial appointment will be as Principal Investigator (PI) or Independent New Investigator (INI) for a term of five years. When the transition to a graduate university is completed in 2012, it is planned that PI and INI positions will change to a tenure track system with Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, and Professors. Some appointments will be made on a joint or part-time basis. Substantial internal funding will be provided to support the faculty member’s research, based on a 5-year research plan, which is renewable after scientific review.

This search is targeted broadly. The non-departmental structure of OIST and orientation toward interdisciplinary research permits flexibility in appointing applicants who are able to introduce new research areas or enhance existing areas. Established research areas include genomics, developmental biology, mathematical and computational biology, molecular and cell sciences and neuroscience. New research areas include structural biology, biological physics, biological chemistry, marine sciences, ecology and evolutionary biology, and microbial and plant genetics. Applicants with exceptional skills in the development of novel instrumentation, particularly instruments that will further revolutionize imaging of bio- and nano-systems, are also encouraged to apply.

At a time when worldwide support for research is increasingly risk-averse, and grant funding places an ever-growing burden on faculty, OIST promotes innovative research in a highly facilitating and supportive environment. This is achievable because OIST has internal research funding, offers outstanding central research facilities, and consults faculty on the design of new laboratory space. Central research facilities at OIST include core facilities for genomics, rodent vivarium, radioisotope use, electron microscopy, and supercomputing facilities.

OIST is committed to being international with more than 50% of faculty and researchers from outside Japan. The official language of OIST is English. OIST is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and encourages applications from women.

More details regarding the aims of the search and advantages of working at OIST are available in the Information for Applicants in the application package that is downloadable from the website
(http://www.oist.jp/en/newsevent/careers/542-faculty-positions.html).
Applications should be submitted in accordance with the instructions in the application package. Applications for the current search close 31, July 2010. Interviews will take place in late August/September, with a view to making appointments early in 2011.

Two PhD studentships are available in the Silver Lab in the Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology at University College London (UCL) as part of the Marie Curie CEREBNET Project.

The projects involve investigating information processing in the cerebelar cortex by combining electrophysiological and 2-photon imaging experiments with anatomically and biologically detailed 3D network modeling. Models will be built with neuroConstruct (Gleeson et al., Neuron 2007) and run using parallel Neuron. Models developed during this project will be made freely available in the simulator independent neural description language NeuroML.

The projects will investigate how the cerebellar input layer (granule cell layer) transforms sensory input and how the spatio-temporal dynamics of granular layer activity is integrated by the molecular layer. The project will also involve active development of both neuroConstruct and NeuroML. Since the project involves both modeling and experimental approaches, the successful candidates could pursue a purely theoretical approach, combine experiments and modeling or focus on experiments and collaborate closely with theoreticians in the group (see

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/npp/as.html).

Relevant recent papers From the Silver lab:

1) Neuronal Arithmetic, Nature Reviews Neuroscience . 2010;11(7):474-489.

2) NeuroML: A Language for Describing Data Driven Models of Neurons and Networks with a High Degree of Biological Detail (2010), PLoS Computational Biology 6(6): e1000815

3) A compact acousto-optic lens for 2D and 3D femtosecond based 2-photon microscopy (2010). Vol. 18, No. 12 / OPTICS EXPRESS 13721

4) Synaptic depression enables neuronal gain control. Nature. 2009, 457(7232):1015-8.

Candidates will have an excellent degree in one of the Sciences, Maths, Computer Science or Engineering and have a strong motivation to pursue a career in neuroscience. Early Stage Researchers can be nationals of any country except UK and must not have resided, worked or studied in the UK for longer than 12 months during the past 3 years. Only EU citizens are eligible for fee support. Applicants should check whether they conform to the ITN regulations for Early-stage researchers. Salaries (3 years) are set at standard rates by UCL. Positions will start in 2010.

Applicants should send a letter of application, highlighting their research interests, relevant training and experience, together with a CV and at least two references to Professor Angus Silver