Job ID: 118304

Post-doctoral researcher in Neuroscience

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 1 September 2024

Contract Length: 2 years (renewable up to 5)

City: Rovereto (TN)

Country: Italy

Institution: Italian Institute of Technology

Department: Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems

Description:

The Rossi Lab invites applications for a post-doctoral position at the Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, based in Rovereto.

The Functional Architecture of Neural Circuits lab aims to understand how the specialised activity of individual neurons, and brain areas, emerges from the architecture of their synaptic connections, how gene expression predisposes the blueprint of these connections, and how their plasticity allows animals to learn. To address these challenges, we investigate the neural architectures that enable adaptive visually guided behaviours in the mouse, leveraging methods from system neuroscience, physiology, anatomy, and molecular biology to link function, connectivity, and gene expression in vivo at multiple scales. For more info, see:
(https://rossilab.iit.it/)

Role summary

The post holder will research the mechanisms and computations supporting adaptive visual processing and learning during behaviour. They will develop novel head fixed and naturalistic behavioural tasks to study visually guided behaviour, and combine them with advanced two-photon imaging, trans-synaptic viral tracing, optogenetics and electrophysiology to determine how activity and plasticity at the scale of dendrites, circuits, and inter-areal communication implement and flexibly adapt visual computations . The researcher will also present research findings at conferences, contribute to writing articles and provide training and supervisions to PhD and master students.

Who we are looking for:

We are committed to building a diverse, multi-disciplinary and collegial laboratory. We are looking for PhDs across STEM and engineering backgrounds, who wonder at the marvels of experimental observation, enjoy crafting new tools to investigate neurophysiology and animal behaviour, and are eager to challenge their expertise. Besides their track record and interest for the lab research programme, candidates will be assessed on the following criteria: critical thinking; proficiency in two-photon imaging or electrophysiology (in vivo or ex vivo); proficiency in data analysis and programming skills in Python or Matlab; science communication skills in English; expertise in designing and controlling experimental and behavioural setups.

Contract and Salary

The contract is for initially for 2 years, renewable up to 5 years. Competitive starting salary negotiable based on experience. Starting date flexible. Note that foreign candidates or Italian nationals who take a research job in Italy after >2 years of professional work (or a PhD degree) abroad may be eligible for 90% tax break.

Successful candidates will be further supported to apply for prestigious funding opportunities: EMBO fellowship, Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship, HFSP fellowship, L’Oreal-UNESCO fellowship, Newton International fellowship.

Research environment and training:

You will join a growing diverse, multidisciplinary and collegial group, and will be offered direct training, supervision and mentorship from the principal investigator. They will be also encouraged to attend top international workshops and courses, as well as training provided within IIT and our partners at University of Trento.

The IIT-CNCS in Rovereto is actively expanding its infrastructure for systems level neuroscience research, and is located in Trentino, a region of Northern Italy nested in the Dolomite mountains, offering easy access to spectacular natural beauty and mountaineering, lakes, vibrant culture and exceptional quality of life.

(https://www.iit.it/it-IT/cncs-unitn/)

How to apply

Please contact Dr Federico Rossi (federico.rossi@iit.it) to enquire about the position or the project. To apply, please include:

  • a cover letter describing your work experience, interests and goals;
  • your CV;
  • the contact details of 2 referees (people you worked with or mentored you)

If selected, we will follow up with an invitation to interview.