Job ID: 117761
Postdoc in cellular and circuit neuroscience
Position: Post-doctoral Position
Deadline: 24 June 2024
Employment Start Date: 1 August 2024
Contract Length: 3.5 years
City: Amsterdam
Country: Netherlands
Institution: Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience
Department: Axonal signaling
Description:
We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc to work on an NWO-funded project focusing on cellular and circuit mechanisms of predictive coding in the visual system. Predictive coding theory states that the brain continuously compares visual inputs it receives with an experience-based internal model of the environment, and updates this model based on the differences. The project is part of a collaboration in which a novel behavioral paradigm and advanced two-photon imaging is employed to study neural circuits underlying predictive coding (Seignette et al. eLife 2024). You will be responsible for the ex vivo brain slice physiology to determine the role of synaptic, axonal and myelin mechanisms involved in updating the internal model of the environment. The aim is determining the contribution of two inhibitory cell types in this process, the basket- and the chandelier interneurons and role of the axon initial segment plasticity (see e.g. Jamann et al. Nat Commun 2021 or Fréal et al. Sci Adv 2023).
Requirements
- A recently obtained PhD-degree (not longer than 6 years ago) in neuroscience or relevant research field
- Experience with subcellular electrophysiology and imaging.
- Demonstrated capacity to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Highly proficient in spoken and written English.
- Experience in supervising students for research projects.
- Excellent capabilities for working independently and a team player.
- Proficiency with programming languages (Python, MATLAB, R) is a plus
What do we offer?
You will be joining a highly collaborative neuroscience research environment and benefit from state-of-the-art infrastructure. The Kole lab is renowned for their fundamental cellular neuron-glia studies of myelinated axons and axon initial segment. The lab is equipped with high-end in vitro electrophysiological, optogenetic and high-speed one and two-photon imaging setups. It concerns a position for 1.0 fte (38 h/week) for one year. In case of proper functioning the employment contract will be extended for 2.5 years. You will have ample opportunities for further development of knowledge and technical skills, through courses at the Academy and (inter)national conferences. You will have extensive opportunities for training and opportunities for personal development.