Job ID: 117757

Funded PhD Studentships Deciphering Neural Dynamics of Gut-Brain influence

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 12 March 2024

City: Cork

Country: Ireland

Institution: APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork

Department: Anatomy and Neuroscience

Description:

2 x Funded Ph.D. Studentships, flexible start date with immediate start possible.

Deciphering Neural Dynamics of Gut-Brain influence in Motivational Learning and the Neurobiology of Parkinson’s Disease

We are seeking two highly motivated and skilled PhD students in Neuroscience to be co-supervised by Dr Colin McNamara and Prof John Cryan. These positions offer a unique opportunity to perform groundbreaking research understanding pathways in the central nervus system and mechanisms of gut microbiome related impact on them. You will perform state-of-the-art in vivo recordings in behaving rodents including training in associated data analysis and recovery cranial surgeries.

Project one is focused on understanding the role that activity in these pathways plays in the neurobiology of Parkinson’s Disease using the latest high density silicon probes (Neuropixels).

Project two will explore gut microbiome influence on motivational learning, focusing on brainstem, striatal and prefrontal brain networks including dopaminergic signalling using multi-site freely moving fibre photometry.

The successful candidates will join a vibrant learning environment working as part of the multidisciplinary Microbiota-Gut-Brain Team within APC Microbiome Ireland which includes systems neuroscientists, bioinformaticians, behavioural pharmacologists, molecular biologists, psychologists, psychiatrists and nutritionists. Basic computer programming knowledge and previous research project experience in areas including stereotactic surgery, rodent behaviour, electrophysiology or time series data analysis is desired. We are particularly interested in candidates with a BSc or MSc (desirable) in Neuroscience, Physiology, Biopsychology, Computational neuroscience, Computer Science, Engineering or a related science.

How to apply:
Please submit as a single pdf file:
(1) Letter of motivation
(2) Curriculum vitae
(3) Summary of Research Experience and Masters Project (if available)
(5) List of publications (if available)
To SysNeuro@ucc.ie