BCI Meeting 2010

The Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Research and Development Program of the Wadsworth Center will soon be seeking a person to manage the daily operation of a multicenter clinical study of BCI usage by people severely disabled by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this 2.5-year study funded by the U.S. Veterans Administration, 25 people with late-stage ALS will be provided with P300-based BCI systems for independent use in their homes for periods of at least one year. Ongoing technical and clinical support will be provided by personnel at each of five VA centers, with close daily oversight by the Wadsworth group. The primary aims are to determine: the nature and extent of BCI usage; BCI impact on the quality of life of patients, caregivers, and family members; and the level of ongoing support needed from the VA system. This will be the first large-scale effort to provide BCI technology for independent home use by people with severe disabilities. The hope is that the study will lead to incorporation of BCI technology into the standard VA assistive-communication capabilities, and will provide a model for widespread dissemination of BCI communication and control technology.

Candidates for this position should have strong interest and background in assistive communication technology, ideally in BCI technology specifically, and should also have strong interest in translational clinical studies. Relevant graduate training is highly desirable. It is expected that this individual will participate as an author in the peer-reviewed publications expected to result from this large and hopefully landmark study.

The BCI Program is part of Wadsworth’s Laboratory of Neural Injury and Repair, which is headed by Dr. Jonathan Wolpaw and comprises 40 scientists, postdoctoral fellows, students, and support personnel engaged in a wide range of studies funded by NIH, the US Army, DARPA, the VA, and a variety of private foundations. The Wadsworth Center, a modern well-equipped 800,000-sq. ft. research facility with a staff of 1200, includes a biomedical graduate program of the State University of New York (Albany), and is part of a consortium of regional academic and research institutions. The Albany region is a scientifically active area with excellent and very affordable housing. It is a few hours’ drive from New York City, Boston, and Montreal and is close to year-round outdoor recreation areas.

This position will be initially funded for 2.5 years. It will have a salary commensurate with education and experience, excellent benefits, and the potential to develop into a longer-term position. Interested individuals should send a curriculum vitae and the names of three references to Ms. Theresa M. Vaughan at: vaughan@wadsworth.org or at: Laboratory of Neural Injury and Repair, Wadsworth Center, New York State Dept. of Health, Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509.

"The use of Brain-Computer Interfaces for 3D Interaction with Videogames and Virtual Environments"

2-year post-doctoral position is available at INRIA (National Institute of Research in Computer Science and Control), Rennes, France.

The project is in the area of virtual reality (VR) and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI). It concerns the use of BCI for the purpose of 3D interaction with virtual worlds and videogames. The postdoc is strongly related to OpenViBE software for BCI and VR (http://openvibe.inria.fr) and to OpenViBE2 research project, which targets "future BCI usages for videogames". The postdoctoral fellow will work within a research team devoted to BCI and VR and under the supervision of Dr. Anatole Lécuyer (http://www.irisa.fr/bunraku/anatole.lecuyer).

The post-doctoral stay is funded for 2 years. The post-doctoral program aims at designing and testing novel 3D interaction techniques with virtual worlds based on Brain-Computer Interfaces. Brain-computer Interfaces (BCI) enable a user to send commands to a computer using only variations of his brain activity. Traditionally, BCI aim at providing communication to those who have lost their voluntary muscle control. They can also be used for multimedia applications, such as for the purpose of interacting with videogames and 3D virtual worlds.

Main objective of the post-doctoral work is to investigate and design novel interaction techniques specifically adapted to the use of a brain-computer interfaces for 3D virtual environments. These BCI-based techniques are expected to improve 3D tasks such as navigation in the virtual world or selection and manipulation of virtual objects "by thought". A series of experiments with participants will be conducted to evaluate the various proposed techniques.

The candidate must have a PhD and an excellent background in either: virtual reality, 3D user interfaces, brain-computer interaction, human-computer interfaces, or other relevant topics.

Interested candidates should send CV, selected publications and names and addresses of three references to :

Dr. Anatole Lécuyer, INRIA Rennes (anatole.lecuyer@irisa.fr)

References

• F. Lotte, A. Van Langhenhove, F. Lamarche, T. Ernest, Y. Renard, B. Arnaldi, A. Lécuyer, "Exploring Large Virtual Environments by Thoughts using a Brain-Computer Interface based on Motor Imagery and High-Level Commands", Presence : teleoperators and virtual environments, vol. 19, no 1, 2010 (in press)
• Y. Renard, F. Lotte, G. Gibert, M. Congedo, E. Maby, V. Delannoy, O. Bertrand, A. Lécuyer, "OpenViBE: An Open-Source Software Platform to Design, Test and Use Brain-Computer Interfaces in Real and Virtual Environments", Presence : teleoperators and virtual environments, vol. 19, no 1, 2010 (in press)
• J.B. Sauvan, A. Lécuyer, F. Lotte, G. Casiez, "A Performance Model of Selection Techniques for P300-Based Brain-Computer Interfaces", ACM SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (ACM CHI), 2009
• F. Lotte, J. Fujisawa, H. Touyama, R. Ito, M. Hirose, A. Lécuyer, "Towards Ambulatory Brain-Computer Interfaces: A Pilot Study with P300 Signals", Advances in Computer Entertainment Technology Conference (ACE), 2009
• A. Lécuyer, F. Lotte, R. Reilly, R. Leeb, M. Hirose, M. Slater, "Brain-Computer Interfaces, Virtual Reality, and Videogames", IEEE Computer, vol. 41, num 10, pp. 66-72, 2008

Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc. a rapidly growing North County San Diego Company is seeking to expand the application of its operational neuroscience technologies which includes both cognitive state assessment and fatigue management. We are seeking a senior scientist to collaborate with the Company's CEO in preparing proposals and grants to the Department of Defense and National Institute of Health which communicate the significance/potential for the application of our technologies as well as study designs to develop and validate these applications. Initially the candidate will assist the CEO in preparing the results for publication and/or presenting results at scientific conferences, and build collaborations with academic researchers which extend our technological capabilities. The role of the preferred candidate holds the potential to include operational oversight of a multi-million dollar grant portfolio.

Responsibilities:

• Grant preparation, presentation and publication
• Plan, organize, coordinate, facilitate and execute proposal efforts
• Design and development of study protocols
• Assist with the application of statistical methods needed to develop data analysis plans
• Summarize study conclusions in publications and presentations

Requirements:

• Demonstrated success preparing and managing research grants/contracts
• Experience in managing proposal efforts from RFP release through proposal submission
• Excellent writing skills
• Track record publishing in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience with physiological sensors and signals, human testing and statistics is preferred
• Works well in small entrepreneurial environment
• Ph.D. preferred

Salary commensurate with experience

We offer a generous benefits package

Please email your resume to hr@b-alert.com

The Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience at UCSD is creating several jobs for a large 5-10 year basic research project on cognitive monitoring integrating EEG, body and eye motion capture (mobile brain/body imaging), with potential applications to various human-system interface enhancements in advanced US Army and civilian vehicles. The Swartz Center has attractive new space in the Supercomputer Center of the University of California San Diego in La Jolla. University of California postdoctoral and technical staff positions will be available in coming weeks and months.  Contact Scott Makeig (smakeig@ucsd.edu) and Tzyy-Ping Jung (tpjung@ucsd.edu) for more information. Both are at the BCI Meeting.

Brain Vision is the US distributor of Brain Products GmbH. Our products are sold to scientists in neuroscience and related fields.  We establish and maintain our customer’s trust in our company by providing reliable products, progressive consulting and outstanding support.  Our ideal candidate will anticipate and satisfy the specific needs of our research oriented customer base.

Your duties will include:
•     Finding the best solution for our customers!
•    Managing the Brain Vision Sales and support activity and be a part of the sales and support team
•    Working together with Brain Products to provide comprehensive technical and scientific support
•    Attending and exhibiting at conferences (e.g. SPR, HBM, CNS, HCI).
•    Frequently traveling to our customer sites throughout the US and Canada for product demonstrations, installation, workshops and customer training (estimated travel time 25% ).

Applicant requirements are:
•    Academic degree (PhD preferred) in a relevant field of neurosciences, psychology, physics, biophysics, biomedical technology or a related field
•    Experience in complex neurophysiological analyses - ideally you are a user of our hard-and software solutions
•    High level of analytical skills including  satisfaction in finding solutions
•    Possess excellent communication skills; specifically you should enjoy frequent interaction with our customers
•    Ability to effectively communicate complex scientific topics to varied audiences
•    Confidence in your capacity to take initiative and work independently
•    Outstanding written and spoken English – proficiency in an additional language will be seen as a plus

Benefits:
Benefits include working in fast growing company within a team-oriented environment. Competitive salary and full benefits.

How to Apply:
If you meet the skills requirements and wish to explore the opportunity of joining Brain Vision LLC please send your application documents (cover letter, curriculum) by email to Patrick Britz: Patrick@BrainVision.com

Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUNMC)

Job description
The Department of Anesthesiology at the RUNMC has funding available for a PhD student position in the context of a project focused on advanced EEG analysis for measuring depth of anesthesia and preventing intraoperative awareness.

Being awake and experiencing pain is one of the greatest fears of patients undergoing general anesthesia for an operation. Recall of these events may cause a posttraumatic stress syndrome with devastating effects on the individual. Existing monitoring methods do not fully prevent intraoperative awareness. Patients cannot seek attention by moving because they are paralyzed by neuromuscular blocking agents. Common intraoperative processing of the frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) has been questioned. This technique does not give insight in brain structures involved in consciousness and memory formation. Because we know that all patients -who reported their terrifying experiences- tried to move, the main question is: can we detect attempts to move in the EEG of patients paralyzed during general anesthesia?

You will replace passive processing of EEG with active searching for the crucial signs of a patient trying to move. You will refer to the progress made in brain computer interfacing where intended movements of motor disabled persons are translated into electrical signals controlling electrical devices.

Requirements
Candidates for the PhD position should have a Master's degree (or equivalent) in a field related to cognitive neuroscience or signal processing (e.g. experimental/cognitive psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, electrical engineering). Excellent candidates from other scientific backgrounds will also be considered. Good programming skills (Matlab) are highly desirable.

Proficiency in oral and written English is essential. You are expected to work as part of a team, sharing technical know-how and ideas.

Organization
The Department of Anesthesiology at the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre provides clinical anesthesia service for surgical and obstretic patients throughout the UMCN 24 hours a day. The department offers post-surgical pain control services and manages patients with chronic and acute pain and patients in need for palliative care. Besides patient care and providing a residency and fellow program in anesthesia, the Department of Anesthesiology has a dedicated research program including quality of perioperative care, pain and palliative care, long damage and inflammation, and clinical neuroscience in anesthesia.

You will work in close collaboration with the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, more particularly its Centre for Neuroscience. The Donders Institute is a platform uniting all cognitive neuroscience on the Nijmegen campus. Its research is divided in four research themes: 1) Language and Communication, 2) Perception, Action, and Control, 3) Learning, Memory & Plasticity and 4) Brain networks and neuronal communication.

Much of the rapid progress in this field is driven by the development of complex neuroimaging techniques for measuring activity in the human working brain. The Donders Institute currently is home to more than 250 PhD students and post-docs from more than 20 different countries, offering a stimulating and multidisciplinary research environment. Moreover, the Donders Institute houses excellent equipment to study the brain in action including three MRI scanners (7T, 3T, 1.5T), a 275 channels MEG system, a EEG-TMS laboratory, several (MR-compatible) EEG systems, and high-performance computational facilities.

Conditions of employment
Duration of the PhD student contract: 4 years.
Other Information
You should submit an application letter, a CV, and the names of two persons who can provide references.

Additional Information
Prof. Dr. Jörgen Bruhn   E-mail: j.bruhn@anes.umcn.nl
Dr Jason Farquhar    E-mail: J.Farquhar@donders.ru.nl

As part of our ongoing pilot clinical trials of an intracortically-based neural interface system (BrainGate), we seek a highly motivated individual with expertise in Matlab, Simulink, and computer programming to join our team in the development of neurally-controlled assistive communication devices, prosthetic limbs, and robotic arms for use by persons with limb loss or tetraplegia. Working closely with our highly collaborative and multidisciplinary team, this individual will identify software system requirements, ensure near real-time seamless communication between various hardware devices and software components, and develop software for real-time neural signal acquisition and processing. Tasks will include both fast-iteration programming in support of weekly pilot clinical trial experiments, device controller implementation, and longer-range development of deployable end-user Windows software. This individual will also prepare complex neural data analyses, implement systems performance metrics, and test neuroscientific hypotheses and to advance the science of decoding neural signals.

Skills:

Thorough demonstrated expertise with Matlab and Simulink are essential. Proficiency in C/C++ programing and experience with real- or near real-time systems programming / modeling techniques, such as memory mapping mechanisms and mutex constructs, is preferred. Prior experience in software systems development including network communications and GUIs confer a significant advantage. Experience with machine learning, multivariate statistics and classification, and Kalman theory provide broader research & development opportunities. The preferred candidate will have industry experience or an advanced degree in computer science, neuroscience, or engineering. A background in both academic research and a commercial development environment is preferred.

Company:

Activities will be centered at the Laboratory for Restorative Neuroprosthetics affiliated with the VA/Brown University Center for Restorative and Regenerative Medicine on the campus of Brown University, in Providence, RI. The diverse and dynamic project team includes expertise in neuroscience, neurology, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, robotics, and more. Travel of up to three hours from Providence may be required on an occasional basis to attend clinical research sessions.

Contact:

John Simeral, Ph.D.
Division of Engineering
Brown University
John_Simeral@brown.edu

Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Fellowship
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
University of Michigan

The University of Michigan, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is accepting applications for a 2-year Advanced Rehabilitation Research Postdoctoral Fellowship to begin immediately. The primary research focus will be on adapting, developing and testing algorithms for brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) operating under clinical instead of laboratory conditions. Fellows will participate in a variety of didactic and practical experiences, including academic courses, research seminars, presentations, collaborative research projects, and lectures at meetings and national conferences. Opportunities for a brief clinical rotation are available. Cross cutting themes include health disparities and community needs of underserved populations with disabilities, women’s health, and aging with disability.

The Fellow will work with Dr. Jane Huggins as a primary mentor to develop an individualized research plan and will participate in Dr. Huggins’ Direct Brain Interface research project (www.umich.edu/~umdbi). Fellows are also expected to complete a rotation at the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, a community based agency serving persons with disabilities. At completion of this research training program, fellows will have acquired and enhanced specific research skills; learned know how to collaborate effectively across rehabilitation areas and disciplines; and have demonstrated a capacity to apply the results of research to the problems of persons with disabilities.

All applicants must have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. and show a commitment to research, including interest in BCIs or assistive technology.U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is strongly preferred. The fellowship offers a competitive salary plus an excellent benefits package. In addition, fellows will have tuition and travel stipends to present at national conferences or visit with mentors at other sites.

To apply, send a personal statement describing career objectives, background and experience as well as three letters of support, a copy of graduate transcripts, CV, and published materials (if available) to: Jane Huggins, Ph.D., janeh@umich.edu or University of Michigan Department of PM&R, C640 Med Inn Building, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Please e-mail inquiries to kmorefie@umich.edu or call (734) 763-5600. The University of Michigan is a Non-Discriminatory Affirmative Action Employer.

Position Advertised
Position Title: Signal processing position

Skills:
• Analytical
• Creative
• Quantitative
Location: 330 Dundas W
*
*
Area: Toronto
Part-time/Full-time: Full-time
Position Duration: Temporary (<4 months) Position Start Date: Immediately
Position Description: Toronto based thought controlled computing company looking to hire a student or recent graduate in mathematics, physics, engineering, CompSci or NeuroSci with abilities in applied mathematics, signal processing and machine learning algorithms.
The chosen candidate will be involved in research on the subject of EEG Signal Processing, as well as developing a Brain Computer Interface. The candidate may construct and run his/her own research projects if interest arises.
Please send us your resume detailing any relevant experience and copy of your transcript (if readily available) to jobs@interaxon.ca
Industry: Computer Industry (includes software & hardware mfg.)
Engineering, Neuroscience, EEG, BCI
Degree:
• Masters Level
• Ph.D. Level
Discipline:
• Computer Science
• Engineering - Engineering Science
• Engineering - Computer
• Engineering - Electrical
• Mathematics
• Engineering - Mechanical
• Physics
• Science
Additional Info/Special Instructions:
Please note: Higher level candidates will be considered for paid positions, less qualified candidates will be offered internships
Wheelchair Accessible: N/A
Method of Application
Applicants Submit:
• Resume and covering letter
How to apply:
• *Email:* jobs@interaxon.ca
Deadline Date: N/A
Employer/Contact Information
Organization: INTERAXON INC
Web Site: www.interaxon.ca

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has an open faculty position for someone in the rehab robotics area. Please contact:

Judith A. Pence
Administrative Specialist
Department of Physical Medicine
and Rehabilitation
University of Michigan Health System
325 E. Eisenhower, Suite 100
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone: (734) 763-5421
FAX: (734) 615-1770
Email