UH Biocomputation Group - Volker Steuberhttp://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk/2022-06-28T14:18:39+01:00Long-Term Depression and Recognition of Parallel Fibre Patterns in a Multi-Compartmental Model of a Cerebellar Purkinje Cell2022-06-28T14:18:39+01:002022-06-28T14:18:39+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2022-06-28:/2022/06/28/temporal-coding-and-rank-order-coding.html<p class="first last">Volker Steuber's Journal Club session where he will talk about temporal coding and, in particular, rank order coding. Please see the papers below for more details.</p>
<p>This week on Journal Club session Volker Steuber will talk about temporal coding and, in particular, rank order coding. Please see the papers below for more details.</p>
<hr class="docutils" />
<p>It has been suggested that long-term depression (LTD) of parallel fibre (PF)
synapses enables a cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) to learn to recognise PF
activity patterns. We investigate the recognition of PF patterns that have been
stored by LTD of AMPA receptors in a multi- compartmental PC model with a
passive soma. We find that a corresponding artificial neural network
outperforms a PC model with active dendrites by an order of magnitude. Removal
of the dendritic ion channels leads to a further decrease in performance.
Another effect of the active dendrites is an afterhyperpolarization response to
novel PF patterns. Thus, the LTD based storage of PF patterns can lead to a
potentiated late PC response.</p>
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<p>Papers:</p>
<ul class="simple">
<li>B. Sabatini, W. Regehr, <a class="reference external" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/384170a0">"Timing of Neurotransmission at Fast Synapses in the Mammalian Brain"</a>, 1996, Nature, 384, 170--172</li>
<li>V. Steuber, E. De, Schutter, <a class="reference external" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0925-2312(01)00458-1">"Long-Term Depression and Recognition of Parallel Fibre Patterns in a Multi-Compartmental Model of a Cerebellar Purkinje Cell"</a>, 2001, Neurocomputing, 38--40, 383--388</li>
<li>S. Thorpe, D. Fize, C. Marlot, <a class="reference external" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9394(14)72148-8">"Speed of Processing in the Human Visual System"</a>, 1996, American Journal of Ophthalmology, 381, 608--609</li>
<li>S. Thorpe, A. Delorme, R. Van, Rullen, <a class="reference external" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0893-6080(01)00083-1">"Spike-Based Strategies for Rapid Processing"</a>, 2001, Neural Networks, 14, 715--725</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 2022/07/01 <br />
<strong>Time:</strong> 14:00 <br />
<strong>Location</strong>: online</p>
A Cerebellar-Based Solution to the Nondeterministic Time Delay Problem in Robotic Control2021-10-13T13:28:39+01:002021-10-13T13:28:39+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2021-10-13:/2021/10/13/a-cerebellar-based-solution-to-the-nondeterministic-time-delay-problem-in-robotic-control.html<p class="first last">Volker Steuber's Journal Club session where he will talk about a paper "A Cerebellar-Based Solution to the Nondeterministic Time Delay Problem in Robotic Control"</p>
<p>This week on Journal Club session Volker Steuber will talk about a paper "A Cerebellar-Based Solution to the Nondeterministic Time Delay Problem in Robotic Control".</p>
<hr class="docutils" />
<p>The presence of computation and transmission-variable time delays
within a robotic control loop is a major cause of instability,
hindering safe human-robot interaction (HRI) under these
circumstances. Classical control theory has been adapted to counteract
the presence of such variable delays; however, the solutions provided
to date cannot cope with HRI robotics inherent features. The highly
nonlinear dynamics of HRI cobots (robots intended for human
interaction in collaborative tasks), together with the growing use of
flexible joints and elastic materials providing passive compliance,
prevent traditional control solutions from being applied. Conversely,
human motor control natively deals with low power actuators, nonlinear
dynamics, and variable transmission time delays. The cerebellum,
pivotal to human motor control, is able to predict motor commands by
correlating current and past sensorimotor signals, and to ultimately
compensate for the existing sensorimotor human delay (tens of
milliseconds). This work aims at bridging those inherent features of
cerebellar motor control and current robotic challengestextemdash
namely, compliant control in the presence of variable sensorimotor
delays. We implement a cerebellar-like spiking neural network (SNN)
controller that is adaptive, compliant, and robust to variable
sensorimotor delays by replicating the cerebellar mechanisms that
embrace the presence of biological delays and allow motor learning and
adaptation.</p>
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</div>
<p>Papers:</p>
<ul class="simple">
<li>I. Abad'ia, F. Naveros, E. Ros, R. Carrillo, N. Luque, <a class="reference external" href="https://doi.org/10.1126/scirobotics.abf2756">"A Cerebellar-Based Solution to the Nondeterministic Time Delay Problem in Robotic Control"</a>, 2021, Science Robotics, 6,</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 2021/10/15 <br />
<strong>Time:</strong> 14:00 <br />
<strong>Location</strong>: online</p>
Bursting Neurons Signal Input Slope2021-04-21T11:37:00+01:002021-04-21T11:37:00+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2021-04-21:/2021/04/21/bursting-neurons-signal-input-slope.html<p class="first last">Volker Steuber's Journal Club session where he will talk about a paper "Bursting Neurons Signal Input Slope"</p>
<p>This week on Journal Club session Volker Steuber will talk about a paper "Bursting Neurons Signal Input Slope".</p>
<hr class="docutils" />
<p>Brief bursts of high-frequency action potentials represent a common
firing mode of pyramidal neurons, and there are indications that they
represent a special neural code. It is therefore of interest to
determine whether there are particular spatial and temporal features
of neuronal inputs that trigger bursts. Recent work on pyramidal cells
indicates that bursts can be initiated by a specific spatial
arrangement of inputs in which there is coincident proximal and distal
dendritic excitation (Larkum et al., 1999). Here we have used a
computational model of an important class of bursting neurons to
investigate whether there are special temporal features of inputs that
trigger bursts. We find that when a model pyramidal neuron receives
sinusoidally or randomly varying inputs, bursts occur preferentially
on the positive slope of the input signal. We further find that the
number of spikes per burst can signal the magnitude of the slope in a
graded manner. We show how these computations can be understood in
terms of the biophysical mechanism of burst generation. There are
several examples in the literature suggesting that bursts indeed occur
preferentially on positive slopes (Guido et al., 1992; Gabbiani et
al., 1996). Our results suggest that this selectivity could be a
simple consequence of the biophysics of burst generation. Our
observations also raise the possibility that neurons use a burst
duration code useful for rapid information transmission. This
possibility could be further examined experimentally by looking for
correlations between burst duration and stimulus variables.</p>
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</div>
<p>Papers:</p>
<ul class="simple">
<li>A. Kepecs, X. Wang, J. Lisman, <a class="reference external" href="https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.22-20-09053.2002">"Bursting Neurons Signal Input Slope"</a>, 2002, The Journal of Neuroscience, 22, 9053--9062</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 2021/04/23 <br />
<strong>Time:</strong> 14:00 <br />
<strong>Location</strong>: online</p>
Reader/Principal Lecturer in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)2021-04-09T22:56:49+01:002021-04-09T22:56:49+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2021-04-09:/2021/04/09/reader-principal-lecturer-in-computer-science-artificial-intelligence-.html<p class="first last">Applications are invited for an academic position as Reader/Principal Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire. The Department has an international reputation for teaching and research, with 64 academic staff, 40 adjunct lecturer staff, and 65 research students and postdoctoral research staff. With a history going back to 1958, the Department teaches one of the largest cohorts of undergraduate students in the UK, and also delivers a thriving online computer science degree programme.</p>
<p>School of Physics Engineering and Computer Science/ Department of Computer Science</p>
<p>University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK</p>
<p>FTE: Full time position working 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE)</p>
<p>Duration of Contract: Permanent</p>
<p>Salary: UH9 £51,034 - £60,905 pa dependent on relevant skills and experience</p>
<p><strong>Closing date: 9 May 2021</strong></p>
<hr class="docutils" />
<p>Applications are invited for an academic position as Reader/Principal Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire. The Department has an international reputation for teaching and research, with 64 academic staff, 40 adjunct lecturer staff, and 65 research students and postdoctoral research staff. With a history going back to 1958, the Department teaches one of the largest cohorts of undergraduate students in the UK, and also delivers a thriving online computer science degree programme.</p>
<hr class="docutils" />
<div class="section" id="main-duties-and-responsibilities">
<h2>Main duties and responsibilities</h2>
<p>The person appointed will be expected to make a significant contribution to the leadership of research in the department, including gaining research awards as Principal Investigator, the development of the research environment in the department and across the University, and publishing in peer reviewed journal articles and other internationally excellent or world-leading publications in education. To contribute to the development of, and supervise and teach on, doctoral programmes in the UK and internationally in relation to a wide spectrum of AI, especially emerging topics in AI. <strong>Possible fields include, but are not limited to:</strong></p>
<ul class="simple">
<li><strong>Machine learning</strong>: reinforcement learning, Deep Methods, statistical methods, large scale data modelling/intelligent processing and high-performance learning algorithms</li>
<li><strong>Robotics</strong>: embodied and/or cognitive robotics, HRI, robot safety, emotional/social robots, smart homes and sensors, sensor fusion, assistive robotics, soft robotics, adaptive or evolutionary robotic design</li>
<li><strong>Biological and biophysical computation paradigms, systems biology, neural computation</strong></li>
<li><strong>Complex Systems</strong>: collective intelligence, adaptive, autonomous and multi-agent/robot systems, collective and swarm intelligence, social and market modelling, adaptive, evolutionary and unconventional computation</li>
<li><strong>Mathematical Modelling</strong>: statistical modelling, information-theoretic methods, compressive sensing, intelligent data visualization, multiscale models, optimization; causality</li>
<li><strong>Emerging Topics in AI</strong>: computer algebra and AI, topological methods (e.g. persistent homology), algebraic and category-theoretical methods in AI; modern topics in games and AI; quantum algorithms for AI</li>
<li><strong>AI and applications</strong>: financial modelling, AI and biology/physics/cognitive sciences</li>
<li><strong>Foundations</strong>: fundamental questions of intelligence and computation, emergence of life/intelligence, Artificial Life</li>
</ul>
<p>Preference will be given to candidates that can deliver teaching to Level 7 in a selection of relevant subjects.</p>
<p>The appointee will also be expected to lead and develop taught modules in a range of computer science areas. For appointees with the appropriate experience, there will be the possibility of taking up the role of Head of Subject Group within the department of Computer Science.</p>
</div>
<div class="section" id="skills-and-experience">
<h2>Skills and experience</h2>
<p>The appointee will strengthen the research culture in the Department by pursuing research as part of a larger research team, seeking external funding, publishing papers, supervising research students, and participating in commercial activity as appropriate. Therefore it is essential that candidates have a track record (e.g. in published, grant-funded research) in Computer Science. Additionally, experience of different types of assessment and higher education quality assurance is an essential requirement of this role.</p>
<p>Prior experience of developing modules and/or programmes of study in Computer Science is essential in addition to significant experience of operating in a UK HE Environment, or equivalent professional experience. Readers/Principal lecturers are expected to take on duties in the capacity of leader, and hence experience of academic leader, programme leadership and line management is desirable. Good interpersonal and presentation skills with proficiency in the English Language are essential along with the ability to manage conflicting demands and work to deadlines.</p>
</div>
<div class="section" id="qualifications-required">
<h2>Qualifications required</h2>
<p>Reader/Principal Lecturer applicants must hold a First Degree and a PhD in an appropriate area of Computer Science or an equivalent, relevant postgraduate professional qualifications.</p>
<p>In addition, the Reader/Principal Lecturer will be expected to contribute to the leadership and management academic programmes, as well as proactive participation in enterprise, knowledge transfer and/or research and scholarship in the School. There are expectations of leadership and potentially supervisory oversight of groups of staff. Readers/Principal lecturers are also expected to contribute to the richness of the academic environment, through scholarly activity, support events, projects and activities, including open days, outreach, extra curricula initiatives, and potentially act as a representative of the School or University at national or international fora.</p>
<p>The School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science is an Athena Swan Bronze award holder, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment and flexible working arrangements. The university also provides an onsite childcare facility and child-centred holiday clubs. Staff work with the university values, which are: Friendly, Ambitious, Collegial, Enterprising, and Student focused.</p>
<p><strong>Contact Details/Informal Enquiries</strong>: Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Simon Trainis, Head, Department of Computer Science by email: <code>S.A.Trainis [at] herts.ac.uk</code> Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.</p>
<p><strong>Closing Date</strong>: 9 May 2021</p>
<p>Interview Dates: TBC but candidates are advised to be available on 16 and 17 June 2021</p>
<p><strong>Apply</strong> through <a class="reference external" href="https://www.herts.ac.uk/staff/careers-at-herts">https://www.herts.ac.uk/staff/careers-at-herts</a>, Reference Number: 032595</p>
<p>Date Advert Placed: 8 April 2021</p>
</div>
PhD Studentship in Computational Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Robotics2020-04-30T16:40:02+01:002020-04-30T16:40:02+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2020-04-30:/2020/04/30/phd-studentship-in-computational-neuroscience-and-rehabilitation-robotics.html<p class="first last">Applications are invited for PhD positions in the Biocomputation Research Group at the University of Hertfordshire. Details within.</p>
<p>Biocomputation Research Group</p>
<p>Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research</p>
<p>University of Hertfordshire, UK</p>
<p><strong>Application deadline 1 June 2020</strong></p>
<p><strong>Bursary GBP 15,285 p.a.</strong></p>
<p>Applications are invited for PhD positions in the Biocomputation Research Group at the University of Hertfordshire. (<a class="reference external" href="http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk/">http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk/</a>).</p>
<hr class="docutils" />
<p><strong>Project description</strong></p>
<p>Stroke is a major cause of disability in adults. More than 15 million strokes occur every year in the world, and more than 100,000 of these affect patients in the UK. Stroke patients often have an impaired ability to control their upper limbs and need assistance with every-day tasks. Relearning motor skills after stroke is similar to learning new motor skills, for example learning to play tennis, but a problem for stroke survivors is that their impaired movements often restrict the ability to use sensory feedback for re-learning.</p>
<p>Rehabilitation robotics has shown promise to augment the rehabilitation process and to offer feedback on performance. However, the personalisation of the therapy to individual needs remains a major challenge to date.</p>
<p>The proposed project will use a computational model of the cerebellum that is being developed by the Biocomputation Research Group (biocomputation.herts.ac.uk) to optimise robotic rehabilitation for individual subjects. The cerebellum has been optimised throughout vertebrate evolution to become an adaptive controller of biological skeletomuscular structures that is unrivalled by any artificial adaptive motor control algorithm. This has led and is still leading to the development of a rapidly increasing number of computational models of cerebellar learning, and to the successful applications of these cerebellar models to controlling simulated and real robots. The PhD project will involve the development and application of personalised cerebellar models in order to optimise rehabilitation robots for individual subjects.</p>
<p><strong>Applicants</strong> should have excellent computational and numerical skills and a very good first degree in computer science, biology, maths, physics, neuroscience, or a related discipline. Successful candidates are eligible for a research studentship award from the University (GBP 15,285 per annum bursary plus payment of the student fees). Applicants from outside the UK or EU are eligible.</p>
<p><strong>Research in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire</strong> has been recognised as excellent in the latest Research Excellence Framework Assessment, with 50% of the research submitted rated as internationally excellent or world leading. The Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research provides a very stimulating environment, offering a large number of specialised and interdisciplinary seminars as well as general training and researcher development opportunities. The University is situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just north of London.</p>
<p><strong>Please contact Dr Volker Steuber or Prof Farshid Amirabdollahian for informal enquiries. Application forms are available under</strong> <a class="reference external" href="https://www.herts.ac.uk/study/schools-of-study/engineering-and-computer-science/research-in-engineering-and-computer-science/the-phd-programme-in-computer-science">https://www.herts.ac.uk/study/schools-of-study/engineering-and-computer-science/research-in-engineering-and-computer-science/the-phd-programme-in-computer-science</a> and should be returned to <code>doctoralcollegeadmissions AT herts DOT ac DOT uk</code>.</p>
<p><strong>The short-listing process will begin on 1 June 2020.</strong></p>
Open Position: Professorship in Computational Neuroscience2018-05-31T12:29:30+01:002018-05-31T12:29:30+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2018-05-31:/2018/05/31/professorship-in-computational-neuroscience.html<p class="first last">Applications are invited for an exceptionally well qualified
Professor of Computational Neuroscience of international standing,
who shares our commitment to research-informed teaching, embraces the
research impact agenda, and values collegiality. Interviews begin the
week commencing 17 September 2018, and the closing date for
applications is 21 June 2018. More details within.</p>
<p>School of Computer Science, <br />
University of Hertfordshire, <br />
College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK <br /></p>
<p>Salary: £58,293 to £67,437 p.a. depending on skills and experience. <br />
FTE: Full time position working 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE). <br />
Duration of contract: Permanent.</p>
<p>Closing date: 24 July 2018. <br />
Interview date: Week commencing 17 September 2018.</p>
<hr class="docutils" />
<p>Applications are invited for an exceptionally well qualified Professor of
Computational Neuroscience of international standing, who shares our commitment
to research-informed teaching, embraces the research impact agenda, and values
collegiality. Applicants will strengthen existing activity within the School
and develop it further, enhancing the research strengths and external
reputation of the School of Computer Science and contributing significantly to
its performance in future research assessments and collaborations with
commercial and public partners. The successful applicant will complement the
research conducted by the Biocomputation Research Group within the Centre for
Computer Science and Informatics Research. As well as providing research
supervision at PhD and MSc level, the School of Computer Science offers modules
in neural computing and machine learning on the BSc and MSc programmes.</p>
<p>Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, possess
excellent communication skills in English, an internationally excellent
research record and reputation, including publications of the highest quality
suitable for submission to the REF. Applicants must show evidence of experience
and success in research/commercial income generation, engagement with the
research impact agenda, engagement with key stakeholders in the Computational
Neuroscience community, and management and leadership ability.</p>
<p>The university offers a range of benefits including a pension scheme,
professional development, family friendly policies, child care vouchers, a fee
waiver of 50% for all children of staff under the age of 21 at the start of the
course, discounted memberships at the Hertfordshire Sports Village and generous
annual leave. The University is situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just
north of London.</p>
<p>Applications must be made online at:
<a class="reference external" href="https://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/academic-vacancies">https://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/academic-vacancies</a>,
reference <code>016195</code>.</p>
<p>For informal enquiries please contact Dr Volker Steuber (<code>v DOT steuber
AT herts DOT ac DOT uk</code>, Head of Biocomputation Research Group, Associate Dean
- Research) or Prof William Clocksin (<code>w DOT clocksin AT herts DOT ac DOT
uk</code>, Dean of School of Computer Science).</p>
Resources for Neuronal Modelling2018-01-29T13:03:58+00:002018-01-29T13:03:58+00:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2018-01-29:/2018/01/29/resources-for-neuronal-modelling.html<p class="first last">Volker Steuber's journal club session on resources for neuronal modelling.</p>
<p>Neuronal simulation software packages such as GENESIS and NEURON have been available for more than 25 years. However, the last 5 years have seen a rapid growth of a variety of openly available resources for neuronal modelling, with a particular focus on open access to software, models and simulation and experimental data. I will give an overview of resources that are currently available and present a selection of simulators for neuronal modelling at different levels of detail, computational and experimental databases, tools for the generation and analysis of neuronal morphologies and interoperability frameworks.</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 02/02/2018 <br />
<strong>Time:</strong> 16:00 <br />
<strong>Location</strong>: LB252</p>
Open Position: PhD Studentship in Computational Frameworks for high-dimensional neural data2017-12-20T16:59:17+00:002017-12-20T16:59:17+00:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2017-12-20:/2017/12/20/open-position-phd-studentship-in-biocomputation-research-group-centre-for-computer-science-and-informatics-.html<p class="first last">Applications are invited for a PhD studentship on Computational frameworks for high-dimensional neural data with <a class="reference external" href="https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=NEd35e8AAAAJ&hl=en">Dr. Shabnam Kadir</a> in the Biocomputation Research Group. The shortlisting process will begin on 8 January 2018. More details within.</p>
<p>Applications are invited for a PhD studentship on Computational frameworks for high-dimensional neural data with <a class="reference external" href="https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=NEd35e8AAAAJ&hl=en">Dr. Shabnam Kadir</a> in the Biocomputation Research Group in the Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research, University of Hertfordshire, U.K.</p>
<p>New developments in experimental technology have led to petabytes of raw data being produced by experimental neuroscientists, which are increasingly publicly available, e.g. <a class="reference external" href="http://www.brain-map.org/">Allen Institute data</a>. In particular, we are in the realm where population recordings of tens of thousands of neurons are feasible thanks to, e.g. a new generation of large dense probes for electrophysiological recordings, imaging using 2-photon microscopy coupled with calcium fluorescent sensors. Large scale neuronal recordings require novel approaches for both processing and quantitative analysis.</p>
<p>As well as using techniques from high-dimensional statistics, machine learning, information theory, we aim to explore new approaches from mathematical fields outside statistics, such as algebraic topology. The study of networks is a particularly important topic in neuroscience: neurons communicate with each other electrically via synapses, forming intricate networks. These networks can be studied using techniques from computational topology (e.g. persistent homology, clique topology). These could be used to extract information about subnetworks and assemblies, both from large scale recordings, and via connectomics derived from simulations (Blue Brain Project).</p>
<p>We aim in this project to go beyond spike sorting and develop new tools and computational frameworks which would help interpret high dimensional data and interrogate how information is being processed by the brain, e.g. How are sensory stimuli (location in environment, visual and auditory stimuli) encoded? How can we characterise the neural activity associated with memory, attention, decision making and motor control?</p>
<p>We shall be collaborating with labs at Imperial College London, Pennsylvania State University, and University College London.</p>
<p>More information can be found here: <a class="reference external" href="http://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/187455/Dec2017-computational-frameworks-for-high-dimensional-neural-data.pdf">http://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/187455/Dec2017-computational-frameworks-for-high-dimensional-neural-data.pdf</a></p>
<p>We are looking for candidates with the following profile:</p>
<ul class="simple">
<li>Strong first degree in a quantitative field such as mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, computational neuroscience.</li>
<li>Strong programming skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB, C++).</li>
<li>Interest in neuroscience and biology would be helpful.</li>
</ul>
<p>A studentship from the PhD Programme in Computer Science provides approximately £14,550 per annum bursary plus the payment of student fees. Applicants from outside the UK or EU are eligible.</p>
<p>Research in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been recognised as excellent in the latest Research Excellence Framework Assessment, with 50% of the research submitted rated as internationally excellent or world leading. The Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research provides a very stimulating environment, offering a large number of specialised and interdisciplinary seminars as well as general training and researcher development opportunities. The University is situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just north of London.</p>
<p>Please contact Dr Shabnam Kadir (<code>shabnam.kadir AT imperial.ac.uk</code>) for informal enquiries. Application forms are available under <a class="reference external" href="http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/schools-of-study/computer-science/our-research/the-phd-programme-in-computer-science">http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/schools-of-study/computer-science/our-research/the-phd-programme-in-computer-science</a> and should be returned to Mrs Lorraine Nicholls and Mrs Emma Thorogood, Research Student Administrators, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9AB, Tel: 01707 286083, <a class="reference external" href="mailto:doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk">doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk</a>. The short-listing process will begin on 8 January 2018. The earliest start date will be mid-April 2018.</p>
Compartmental modelling of neurons and the Hodgkin-Huxley formalism2017-09-14T22:49:43+01:002017-09-14T22:49:43+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2017-09-14:/2017/09/14/compartmental-modelling-of-neurons-and-the-hodgkin-huxley-formalism.html<p class="first last">Volker Steuber will give a basic introduction to compartmental modelling of neurons and discuss the Hodgkin-Huxley model, published in the paper <a class="reference external" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1392413">A quantitative description of membrane current and its application to conduction and excitation in nerve (Hodgkin and Huxley, 1952)'</a>.</p>
<p>Volker Steuber will give a basic introduction to compartmental modelling of neurons and discuss the Hodgkin-Huxley model, published in the paper <a class="reference external" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1392413">A quantitative description of membrane current and its application to conduction and excitation in nerve (Hodgkin and Huxley, 1952)'</a>.
Abstract is below:</p>
<hr class="docutils" />
<p>Computational models of neurons vary in their biological realism and level of detail, ranging from point neurons such as simple and adaptive exponential integrate-and-fire and Izhikevich models to morphologically realistic conductance based multi-compartmental models. Multi-compartmental models often include representations of voltage and ligand gated ion channels; these can be modelled using (commonly) the Hodgkin-Huxley or (sometimes) the Markov formalism. In this talk, I will give a basic introduction to compartmental modelling of neurons and discuss the Hodgkin-Huxley model. The Hodgkin-Huxley model is one of the foundations of computational neuroscience, having been published in a series of seminal articles in 1952 and leading to the award of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Alan Hodgkin and Andrew Huxley in 1963.</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 15/09/2017 <br />
<strong>Time:</strong> 16:00 <br />
<strong>Location</strong>: LB252</p>
Open Position: PhD studentships in Computational Neuroscience2017-05-31T13:20:03+01:002017-05-31T13:20:03+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2017-05-31:/2017/05/31/open-position-phd-studentships-in-computational-neuroscience.html<p class="first last">Applications are invited for PhD studentships at the Biocomputation Research Group. Details within.</p>
<p>Applications are invited for PhD positions in the Biocomputation Research Group at the University of Hertfordshire. Projects involve the development and simulation of models of neurons and neuronal networks to study information processing in the cerebellum or olfactory system and/or the application of machine learning techniques for the analysis of neural data. A description of our research interests and a list of publications can be found on our webpage (<a class="reference external" href="http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk/">http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk/</a>).</p>
<p>Applicants should have excellent computational and numerical skills and a very good first degree in computer science, biology, maths, physics, neuroscience, or a related discipline. Successful candidates are eligible for a research studentship award from the University (GBP 14,553 per annum bursary plus payment of the student fees). Applicants from outside the UK or EU are eligible.</p>
<p>Research in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been recognised as excellent in the latest Research Excellence Framework Assessment, with 50% of the research submitted rated as internationally excellent or world leading. The Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research provides a very stimulating environment, offering a large number of specialised and interdisciplinary seminars as well as general training and researcher development opportunities. The University is situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just north of London.</p>
<p>Please contact Dr Volker Steuber for informal enquiries. Application forms are available under <a class="reference external" href="http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/schools-of-study/computer-science/our-research/the-phd-programme-in-computer-science">http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/schools-of-study/computer-science/our-research/the-phd-programme-in-computer-science</a></p>
Open Position: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Computer Science (Machine Learning/Biocomputation)2017-05-20T14:30:16+01:002017-05-20T14:30:16+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2017-05-20:/2017/05/20/open-position-lecturer-senior-lecturer-in-computer-science-machine-learning-biocomputation-1.html<p class="first last">Applications are invited for a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire. Applications should be made through <a class="reference external" href="http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/academic-vacancies">http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/academic-vacancies</a> (reference 014050) until the 18th of June 2017. More details within. <em>This position has been filled.</em></p>
<p>This position has been filled.</p>
<hr class="docutils" />
<p>Salary £32,004 to £48,327 per annum depending on qualifications and experience <br />
Full time position working 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE) <br />
Closing date 18 June 2017</p>
<p>Applications are invited for a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the School's teaching and curriculum development activities, and to strengthen its research activities. We are looking to recruit specifically a computer scientist with background in machine learning or data science related to biocomputation (including computational neuroscience). By Data Science, we broadly mean the extraction of meaning from large quantities of data. The successful candidate will also have the flexibility to teach across mainstream topics in computer science. The School has an international reputation for teaching and research, with 58 academic staff, 20 adjunct lecturer staff, and 65 research students and postdoctoral research staff. With a history going back to 1958, the School teaches one of the largest cohorts of undergraduate students in the UK, and also delivers a thriving online computer science degree programme.</p>
<p>The person appointed will be expected to contribute to learning and teaching relevant to core computer science topics, participate in curriculum review and development, design and develop new modules, and supervise student projects at all levels. The appointee will strengthen the research culture in the School by pursuing research as part of a larger research team, seeking external funding, publishing papers, supervising research students, and participating in commercial activity as appropriate. Preference will be given to candidates who can contribute to teaching and research in databases as outlined above.</p>
<p>Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, possess excellent communication skills in English and the ability to teach at undergraduate and postgraduate level. It is desirable that candidates have a track record of publication, external research funding, collaboration across disciplines, experience of different types of assessment and higher education quality assurance. They should also have the ability to play a role in the routine running of the School of Computer Science.</p>
<p>Applications should be made through <a class="reference external" href="http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/academic-vacancies">http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/academic-vacancies</a> (reference 014050). Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Volker Steuber (Head of the Biocomputation Research Group, v.steuber AT herts.ac.uk) or Professor William Clocksin (Dean of School, w.clocksin AT herts.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent directly to these email addresses will not be accepted.</p>
<p>We are committed to providing a supportive environment. The University offers a range of benefits including a pension scheme, professional development, family friendly policies, child care vouchers, a fee waiver of 50% for all children of staff under the age of 21 at the start of the course, discounted memberships at the Hertfordshire Sports Village and generous annual leave.</p>
Open Position: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Computer Science (Machine learning / Biocomputation)2016-10-08T17:06:47+01:002016-10-08T17:06:47+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2016-10-08:/2016/10/08/open-position-lecturer-senior-lecturer-in-computer-science-machine-learning-biocomputation.html<p class="first last">Applications are invited for a post of Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire. Details within. Applications close on October 21 2016.</p>
<p>Salary: £32,004 to £48,327 per annum depending on qualifications and experience <br />
FTE: Full time position working 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE) <br />
Closing date: 21 October 2016</p>
<p>Applications are invited for a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the School's teaching and curriculum development activities, and to strengthen its research activities. We are looking to recruit specifically a computer scientist with background in machine learning or data science related to biocomputation (including computational neuroscience). By Data Science we broadly mean the extraction of meaning from large quantities of data. The successful candidate will also have the flexibility to teach across mainstream topics in computer science. The School has an international reputation for teaching and research, with 58 academic staff, 20 adjunct lecturer staff, and 65 research students and postdoctoral research staff. With a history going back to 1958, the School teaches one of the largest cohorts of undergraduate students in the UK, and also delivers a thriving online computer science degree programme.</p>
<p>The person appointed will be expected to contribute to learning and teaching relevant to core computer science topics, participate in curriculum review and development, design and develop new modules, and supervise student projects at all levels. The appointee will strengthen the research culture in the School by pursuing research as part of a larger research team, seeking external funding, publishing papers, supervising research students, and participating in commercial activity as appropriate. Preference will be given to candidates who can contribute to teaching and research in databases as outlined above.</p>
<p>Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, possess excellent communication skills in English and the ability to teach at undergraduate and postgraduate level. It is desirable that candidates have a track record of publication, external research funding, collaboration across disciplines, experience of different types of assessment and higher education quality assurance. They should also have the ability to play a role in the routine running of the School of Computer Science.</p>
<p>Applications should be made through <a class="reference external" href="http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/academic-vacancies">http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/academic-vacancies</a> (reference 014050). Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Volker Steuber (Head of the Biocomputation Research Group, v.steuber at herts.ac.uk) or Professor William Clocksin (Dean of School, w.clocksin at herts.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent directly to these email addresses will not be accepted.</p>
<p>We are committed to providing a supportive environment. The university also provides an onsite childcare facility and child-centred holiday clubs. The University is required to meet UKVI visa regulations. Applicants who do not currently have the right to work in the UK will have to satisfy UKVI regulations before they can be appointed.</p>
Computational models of synaptic plasticity and information processing in the cerebellum2016-10-04T08:21:45+01:002016-10-04T08:21:45+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2016-10-04:/2016/10/04/computational-models-of-synaptic-plasticity-and-information-processing-in-the-cerebellum.html<p class="first last">Volker Steuber's journal club session on computational models of synaptic plasticity and information processing in the cerebellum.</p>
<p>A central theme of the computational neuroscience research in the Biocomputation Research Group is synaptic plasticity, the activity-dependent strengthening and weakening of connections between neurons in the brain. In this talk, I will describe a number of previous PhD projects in the group that have studied computational functions, and the underlying mechanisms, of synaptic plasticity. I will focus on the functional roles and mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in the cerebellum, a brain structure that is important for the control of movements, motor learning and many higher cognitive functions. Our results suggest that different forms of synaptic plasticity at different time scales can implement many diverse functions such as associative memory, noise resistance, multiplicative operations and the transformation between different types of neural code. Moreover, I will discuss the relation between cerebellar synaptic plasticity and movement disorders that are based on cerebellar dysfunction, and I will describe the application of machine learning algorithms to analyse neuronal activity during epileptic seizures.</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 07/10/2016 <br />
<strong>Time:</strong> 16:00 <br />
<strong>Location</strong>: LB252</p>
Open Positions: Early Career Research Fellowships in systems biology/machine learning for food and disease2016-09-02T10:58:00+01:002016-09-02T10:58:00+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2016-09-02:/2016/09/02/open-positions-early-career-research-fellowships-in-systems-biology-machine-learning-for-food-and-disease.html<p class="first last">Applications are invited for Research Fellow posts at the University of Hertfordshire. The closing date for the application is 27th October 2016. Details within.</p>
<p>Salary: £31,656 - £37,768 per annum depending on skills and experience <br />
Closing Date: 27th Oct 2016 <br />
Full time position working 37 hours per week. <br />
Fixed term contract for a period of five years. <br /></p>
<p>The postdoctoral fellowship will focus on emerging methods in biocomputation to improve food and health or combat plant, animal or human diseases. A first degree in biology, computer science or a relevant subject and a doctoral degree in bioinformatics, machine learning, quantitative biology or related subjects is required. Experience in systems biology, big data science or genomics will be useful. The fellowship is offered for a period of 5 years with the expectation that the fellow will obtain a permanent academic post supported.</p>
<div class="section" id="qualifications-required">
<h2>Qualifications required</h2>
<p>You must have a first degree in a science, such as biology, computer science, mathematics or a relevant subject, and a doctoral degree in areas such as bioinformatics, machine learning, quantitative biology or a related subject area. Experience in systems biology, big data science or genomics will be useful.</p>
</div>
<div class="section" id="research-focus-and-environment">
<h2>Research focus and environment</h2>
<p>The Fellow is expected to develop her/his own line of research. This should include a focus on emerging methods in biocomputation that generate and exploit large data sets of biological information to better understand mechanisms such as those underlying host resistance/immunity and/or resistance breakdown. The Fellow will generate an improved understanding of relevant biological systems to develop specific strategies to improve food and health or combat plant, animal or human diseases. This Fellowship will be supported by existing collaborations between colleagues in Schools of Life & Medical Sciences (Kukol, Stotz, Barling, Fitt) and Computer Science (Steuber). The Fellow is expected to use the University’s high performance computer cluster.</p>
</div>
<div class="section" id="experience-and-skills-required-for-the-post">
<h2>Experience and skills required for the post</h2>
<ul class="simple">
<li>Ability to develop and apply computational methods to biological problems;</li>
<li>Experience with techniques such as machine learning or mathematical modelling of biological datasets, for example in genomics or proteomics;</li>
<li>Evidence of original research and ability to publish in high impact journals.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="section" id="research-expectations">
<h2>Research expectations</h2>
<p>The Fellow is expected to develop a collaborative research program with our academic partners. We envisage that the Research Fellow will become a permanent staff member, supported by funding from successful research grant applications and developing new areas of teaching, especially at the post-graduate level. To ensure this, the two Schools will provide career training for the Fellow. The Fellow will have established collaborations with companies and successfully obtained co-funded industry-government projects. The Fellow will publish high-impact papers and be building a research team.</p>
</div>
<div class="section" id="description-of-the-school-s">
<h2>Description of the School(s)</h2>
<p>This Early Career Research Fellow will work with and receive support from the School of Life and Medical Sciences and the School of Computer Science. The successful candidate can build on the strengths of both Schools and may combine experiment-based empirical research with data-based analysis.</p>
<p>Within the <a class="reference external" href="http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/schools-of-study/life-and-medical-sciences/research">School of Life and Medical Sciences</a>, the Centre for Agriculture, Food and Environmental Management (CAFEM) is a research and teaching collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College, Rothamsted Research and Oaklands College. The Fellow will work with researchers in CAFEM who have experience with systems biology applicable to crop protection, combining experimental field and lab research with computational modelling. Within the School of Computer Science, research in the <a class="reference external" href="http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk/">Biocomputation Research Group</a> involves development of computational models to study biological systems and application of biologically-inspired machine learning algorithms for the analysis of "real-world" data. Members of the Biocomputation Group analyse and simulate computational models at different levels of complexity and collaborate closely with leading experimentalists in the UK and abroad.</p>
<hr class="docutils" />
<p>Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be made to: <br />
Professor Bruce Fitt, <br />
Professor of Plant Pathology, <br />
email: <a class="reference external" href="mailto:b.fitt@herts.ac.uk">b.fitt@herts.ac.uk</a> <br />
Tel + 44 (0)1707 284751</p>
<p>or</p>
<p>Dr. Volker Steuber, <br />
Reader in Biocomputation and Head of the Biocomputation Research Group, <br />
email: <a class="reference external" href="mailto:v.steuber@herts.ac.uk">v.steuber@herts.ac.uk</a> <br />
Tel: +44 (0)1707 284350.</p>
<p>Applications should be made through <a class="reference external" href="http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/research-vacancies">http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/research-vacancies</a></p>
</div>
What does the nose know and how does it know it2016-05-13T10:48:13+01:002016-05-13T10:48:13+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2016-05-13:/2016/05/13/what-does-the-nose-know-and-how-does-it-know-it.html<p class="first last"><a class="reference external" href="http://bower-lab.org/">James Bower</a> joins us for a special journal club session where he discusses olfactory processing.</p>
<p><a class="reference external" href="http://bower-lab.org/">James Bower</a> joins us for a special journal club session where he discusses olfactory processing.</p>
<hr class="docutils" />
<p>Since Lucretius published his epic poem, De rerum natura (On the Nature of Things) in 66 BC, philosophical and scientific thinking about the sense of smell has been built on the assumption that the olfactory system detects odours through a process of classification based on analytical chemical structures. Somewhat similarly, starting with Linnaeus in the mid 18th century, various efforts have been made to regularize odour perception by identifying different scales or perceptual groupings. For the last 100 years many attempts have been made to correlate chemical characteristics believed important to detection to these classification schemes for perception. All have failed. This talk will describe the origins and implications of the alternative view that the olfactory system, both detection and perception is organized around the biological significance of an odorant molecule rather than its strict chemical form. Evidence in support will be presented from a range of approaches from human psychophysics to receptor ligand binding studies to neuronal modelling. The talk will also consider the possible implications for the function of cerebral cortex as a whole, given the likely olfactory origin of the cerebral cortical processing algorithm.</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 20/05/2016 <br />
<strong>Time:</strong> 16:00 <br />
<strong>Location</strong>: LB252</p>
Open Position: PhD studentship in Computational Neuroscience2016-04-28T23:57:17+01:002016-04-28T23:57:17+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2016-04-28:/2016/04/28/open-position-phd-studentship-in-computational-neuroscience.html<p class="first last">A funded PhD position at the Biocomputation group is available. The shortlisting process begins 30 May, 2016. Details within.</p>
<!-- *This position has been filled.* -->
<hr class="docutils" />
<p>We welcome applications for a funded PhD position in the Biocomputation Research Group at the University of Hertfordshire.</p>
<p>The successful applicant will work on a project related to the detailed modelling of neuronal dynamics arising through dendritic processing and/or the analysis of morphological and circuit data. Potential projects in the fields of neuroinformatics and computational neuroscience include (but are not limited to):</p>
<ul class="simple">
<li>Analysis of neuronal morphology and micro-circuitry.</li>
<li>Simulation of development of neuronal morphologies and tissues.</li>
<li>Simulation of dendritic processing on hardware.</li>
<li>Sensory processing and behaviour generation in individual invertebrate neurons.</li>
<li>Development of experimental robot controllers based on dendritic computation.</li>
<li>Structural plasticity at the single neuron and micro-circuitry level.</li>
</ul>
<p>More project ideas can be found here: <a class="reference external" href="http://www.dendrites.club/Positions.html">http://www.dendrites.club/Positions.html</a></p>
<p>The successful candidate will have extensive programming experience, preferably in Python (and/or other programming languages depending on the precise project). Depending on the project, experience with parallel programming (MPI, ZMQ), meshing software (VTK, CGAL, ITK, ...), or statistical analysis in R or Python are an advantage. In addition, we greatly value curiosity and a personal motivation to find out how things work.</p>
<p>We collaborate closely with leading experimentalists and theoreticians all over the world, such as Prof. Adrian Moore (RIKEN, Japan), Prof. Erik De Schutter (OIST, Japan) and Dr. Marylka Uusisaari (Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands).</p>
<p>The student will be based in the <a class="reference external" href="http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk">Biocomputation Group</a> at the University of Hertfordshire and will be supervised by Drs. Ben Torben-Nielsen (b.torben-nielsen at herts.ac.uk) and Volker Steuber (v.steuber at herts.ac.uk) to whom informal enquiries can be sent.</p>
<p>Successful candidates are eligible for a research studentship award from the University (approximately GBP 14,250 per annum bursary plus the payment of the student fees). Application forms can be obtained from:</p>
<p>Mrs Lorraine Nicholls, <br />
Research Student Administrator, <br />
STRI, <br />
University of Hertfordshire, <br />
College Lane, <br />
Hatfield, Herts, <br />
AL10 9AB, <br />
Tel: +44 01707 286083, <br />
l.nicholls @ herts.ac.uk.</p>
<p>The short-listing process will begin on 30 May, 2016.</p>
Open Position: PhD studentship in Olfactory Biocomputation2016-04-28T17:32:53+01:002016-04-28T17:32:53+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2016-04-28:/2016/04/28/open-position-phd-studentship-in-olfactory-biocomputation.html<p class="first last">A funded PhD position at the Biocomputation group is available. The shortlisting process begins 30 May, 2016. Details within.</p>
<!-- *This position has been filled.* -->
<hr class="docutils" />
<p>Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD position in the Biocomputation Research group at the University of Hertfordshire. Our research on Olfactory Biocomputation encompasses the following topics:</p>
<ul class="simple">
<li>Olfactory computing in insects and vertebrates</li>
<li>The role of stimulus dynamics in olfaction</li>
<li>Chemical “receptive fields” of odorant receptors</li>
<li>Neuromorphic computing and bio-inspired signal processing for chemical sensing</li>
</ul>
<p>Our spectrum of methods covers data science and machine learning, simulation of spiking networks, cheminformatics, and brain-like computing on neuromorphic hardware. The successful candidate should ideally have previous experience in one or more of these methods, but a keen interest in our research topics and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research is considered essential. Excellent programming skills are required and should be documented upon application. Most of our code is written in Python.</p>
<p>Depending on the area of work, the successful candidate will join our collaborative research efforts with excellent experimental research groups, as e.g. led by Prof. Andreas Schaefer (Francis Crick Institute, London), Dr. Markus Knaden and Dr. Silke Sachse (Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany). For a list of recent projects and publications please refer to the web pages of the <a class="reference external" href="http://biomachinelearning.net">BioMachineLearning Project</a> and the <a class="reference external" href="http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk/">Biocomputation Group</a>.</p>
<p>The student will be supervised by Drs. Michael Schmuker (m.schmuker @ biomachinelearning.net) and Volker Steuber (v.steuber @ herts.ac.uk). Informal enquiries by email prior to application are encouraged and very welcome.</p>
<p>Successful candidates are eligible for a research studentship award from the University (approximately GBP 14,250 per annum bursary plus payment of the student fees).</p>
<p>Research in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been recognized as excellent by the latest Research Excellence Framework Assessment, with 50% of the research submitted being rated as world leading or internationally excellent. The Science and Technology Research Institute provides a very stimulating environment, offering a large number of specialized and interdisciplinary seminars as well as general training and researcher development opportunities. The University of Hertfordshire is situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just north of London.</p>
<p>Application forms can be obtained from:</p>
<p>Mrs Lorraine Nicholls, <br />
Research Student Administrator, <br />
STRI, <br />
University of Hertfordshire, <br />
College Lane, <br />
Hatfield, Herts, <br />
AL10 9AB, <br />
Tel: +44 01707 286083, <br />
l.nicholls @ herts.ac.uk.</p>
<p>The short-listing process will begin on 30 May, 2016.</p>
Open Positions: Early Career Research Fellowships in systems biology/machine learning for food and disease2016-04-13T13:27:22+01:002016-04-13T13:27:22+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2016-04-13:/2016/04/13/open-position-early-career-research-fellowships-in-systems-biology-machine-learning-for-food-and-disease.html<p class="first last">Applications are invited for Research Fellow posts at the University of Hertfordshire. Details within.</p>
<!-- *This position has been filled.* -->
<hr class="docutils" />
<p>Salary: £31,656 - £37,768 per annum depending on skills and experience. <br />
Closing date: 17 May 2016 <br /></p>
<p>The University of Hertfordshire is investing in its future research staff and infrastructure, and is in the process of transitioning the delivery of its research under six Themes: Food; Global Economy; Health and Wellbeing; Heritage, Cultures and Communities; Information and Security; Space. These will assist in the further development of research excellence and provide both increased external profile and internal focus for Hertfordshire’s research activities.</p>
<p>Six new Research Fellow posts are each offered for a five year term in the first instance. It is our expectation, however, that successful appointees will grow their research activities to become permanent academic staff members by the end of that period.</p>
<div class="section" id="qualifications-required">
<h2>Qualifications required</h2>
<p>You must have a first degree in a science, such as biology, computer science, mathematics or a relevant subject, and a doctoral degree in bioinformatics, machine learning, quantitative genetics or a related subject area. Experience in systems biology, big data science or genomics will be particularly relevant.</p>
</div>
<div class="section" id="research-focus-and-environment">
<h2>Research focus and environment</h2>
<p>This Fellowship will focus on emerging methods in biocomputation that generate and exploit large data sets of biological information available from genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics to better understand mechanisms of host resistance/immunity and/or resistance breakdown. The Fellow will generate an improved understanding of relevant biological systems to develop specific strategies to combat infectious diseases caused by plant, animal or human pathogens. This Fellowship will be supported by existing collaborations between colleagues in Schools of Life & Medical Sciences (Kukol, Stotz, Barling, Fitt) and Computer Science (Steuber). The Fellow is expected to use the University’s high performance computer cluster.</p>
</div>
<div class="section" id="experience-and-skills-required-for-the-post">
<h2>Experience and skills required for the post</h2>
<ul class="simple">
<li>Considerable experience with big data analysis and machine learning, including working knowledge of scripting languages like Perl, Python and/or R;</li>
<li>Knowledge of genomic research techniques, such as next-generation sequencing, proteomics and/or metabolic profiling;</li>
<li>Practical experience with the application of numerical analysis and/or mathematical models to biological datasets, for example in genomics or quantitative genetics;</li>
<li>Evidence of original research published in high impact journals.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="section" id="research-expectations">
<h2>Research expectations</h2>
<p>The Fellow is expected to develop a collaborative research program with our academic partners. We envisage that the Research Fellow will become a permanent staff member, supported by funding from successful research grant applications and developing new areas of teaching, especially at the post-graduate level. To ensure this, the two Schools will provide career training for the Fellow. The Fellow will have established collaborations with companies and successfully obtained co-funded industry-government projects. The Fellow will continue to publish high-impact papers and be leading an internationally recognised research team.</p>
</div>
<div class="section" id="description-of-schools">
<h2>Description of Schools</h2>
<p>The Early Career Research Fellow will work with and receive support from the School of Life and Medical Sciences and the School of Computer Science. The successful candidate can build on the strengths of both Schools and may combine experiment-based empirical research with data-based analysis.</p>
<p>Within the <a class="reference external" href="http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/schools-of-study/life-and-medical-sciences/research">School of Life and Medical Sciences</a>, the Centre for Agriculture, Food and Environmental Management (CAFEM) is a research and teaching collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College, Rothamsted Research and Oaklands College. The Fellow will work with researchers in CAFEM who have experience with systems biology applicable to crop protection, combining experimental field and lab research with computational modelling. Within the School of Computer Science, research in the <a class="reference external" href="http://biocomputation.herts.ac.uk/">Biocomputation Research Group</a> involves development of computational models to study biological systems and application of biologically-inspired machine learning algorithms for the analysis of "real-world" data. Members of the Biocomputation Group analyse and simulate computational models at different levels of complexity and collaborate closely with leading experimentalists in the UK and abroad.</p>
<hr class="docutils" />
<p>Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be made to: <br />
Professor Bruce Fitt, <br />
Professor of Plant Pathology, <br />
email: <a class="reference external" href="mailto:b.fitt@herts.ac.uk">b.fitt@herts.ac.uk</a> <br />
Tel + 44 (0)1707 284751</p>
<p>or</p>
<p>Dr. Volker Steuber, <br />
Reader in Biocomputation and Head of the Biocomputation Research Group, <br />
email: <a class="reference external" href="mailto:v.steuber@herts.ac.uk">v.steuber@herts.ac.uk</a> <br />
Tel: +44 (0)1707 284350.</p>
<p>Applications should be made through <a class="reference external" href="http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/research-vacancies">http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/research-vacancies</a>, job reference 013457.</p>
</div>
Inhibitory plasticity balances excitation and inhibition in sensory pathways and memory networks2015-10-13T13:17:27+01:002015-10-13T13:17:27+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2015-10-13:/2015/10/13/inhibitory-plasticity-balances-excitation-and-inhibition-in-sensory-pathways-and-memory-networks.html<p class="first last">Volker Steuber's journal club session where he discusses the paper, <a class="reference external" href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/334/6062/1569.short">'Inhibitory plasticity balances excitation and inhibition in sensory pathways and memory networks' (Vogels et al. (2011))</a>.</p>
<p>Cortical neurons receive balanced excitatory and inhibitory synaptic
currents. Such a balance could be established and maintained in an
experience-dependent manner by synaptic plasticity at inhibitory
synapses. We show that this mechanism provides an explanation for the
sparse firing patterns observed in response to natural stimuli and fits
well with a recently observed interaction of excitatory and inhibitory
receptive field plasticity. The introduction of inhibitory plasticity
in suitable recurrent networks provides a homeostatic mechanism that le
ads to asynchronous irregular network states. Further, it can
accommodate synaptic memories with activity patterns that become
indiscernible from the background state but can be reactivated by
external stimuli. Our results suggest an essential role of inhibitory
plasticity in the formation and maintenance of functional cortical
circuitry.</p>
<p>The full paper can be found here:
<a class="reference external" href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/334/6062/1569.short">http://www.sciencemag.org/content/334/6062/1569.short</a></p>
<p>Volker said he'd also discuss the paper by Woodin, Ganguly and Poo
(2003) that forms the experimental basis of the learning rule in the
above paper.</p>
<p>This paper can be found here:
<a class="reference external" href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627303005075">http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627303005075</a></p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> 16/10/2015 <br />
<strong>Time:</strong> 16:00 <br />
<strong>Location</strong>: LB252</p>
Open Position: Senior Lecturer in Computer Science2015-09-10T10:00:00+01:002015-09-10T10:00:00+01:00Volker Steubertag:biocomputation.herts.ac.uk,2015-09-10:/2015/09/10/20150910-senior-lectureship.html<p class="first last">Applications are invited for a post of Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire. Details within. Applications close on September 10, 2015. <br /> <em>This position has been filled.</em></p>
<p><em>This position has been filled.</em></p>
<hr class="docutils" />
<p>Salary: £37,394 to £47,328 per annum depending on skills and experience <br />
FTE: Full time position <br />
Duration of contract: Permanent <br />
Closing date: 10 September 2015 <br /></p>
<p>Applications are invited for a post of Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the School's teaching and curriculum development activities, and to strengthen its research activities. We are looking to recruit specifically computer scientists with specialist interests in data science or machine learning related to biocomputation (including computational neuroscience), with the flexibility to teach across mainstream topics in computer science. The School has an international reputation for teaching and research, with 58 academic staff, 20 adjunct lecturer staff, and 65 research students and postdoctoral research staff. With a history going back to 1958, the School teaches one of the largest cohorts of undergraduate students in the UK, and also delivers a thriving online computer science degree programme. The University of Hertfordshire is situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just north of London.</p>
<p>The person appointed will be expected to contribute to learning and teaching relevant to core computer science topics, participate in curriculum review and development, design and develop new modules, and supervise student projects at all levels. The appointee will strengthen the research culture in the School by pursuing research as part of a larger research team, seeking external funding, publishing papers, supervising research students, and participating in commercial activity as appropriate. Preference will be given to candidates who can contribute to teaching and research in databases or machine learning.</p>
<p>You must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, possess excellent communication skills in English and the ability to teach at undergraduate and postgraduate level. It is desirable that candidates have a track record of publication, external research funding, collaboration across disciplines, experience of different types of assessment and higher education quality assurance. They should also have the ability to play a role in the routine running of the School of Computer Science.</p>
<p>The University is required to meet UKVI visa regulations. Applicants who do not currently have the right to work in the UK will have to satisfy UKVI regulations before they can be appointed.</p>
<p>Application should be made through <a class="reference external" href="http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/academic-vacancies">http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/academic-vacancies</a> (reference 012476). For informal enquiries contact Prof William Clocksin (Dean of School, w.clocksin @ herts.ac.uk) or Dr. Volker Steuber (Head of the Biocomputation Research Group, v.steuber @ herts.ac.uk).</p>