Job ID: 119890

Post-doctoral position at the University of Torino (Italy) on the function of oligodendrocytes in memory performance

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 23 October 2024

City: Torino

Country: Italy

Institution: University of Torino

Department: Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi and Dept. of Life Sciences and Systems Biology

Description:

We are looking for an excellent candidate to join our team at the Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Italy. The position is funded by the PRIN: PROGETTI DI RICERCA DI RILEVANTE INTERESSE NAZIONALE – Bando PRIN-2022 – “Discovering the Effectors of LIfestyle-driven Memory enhancement via InflammaTion”, in collaboration with Prof. Marco Mainardi (University of Padova) and Prof. Mathew Diamond (SISSA, Trieste). The gross salary is € 36.000/year (net/month: 2.150 €).

This project will investigate the effects of the pro-inflammatory chemokine CCL11/eotaxin-1 on oligodendrocytes and myelin remodeling. CCL11 is known to be an inhibitor of synaptic plasticity and reduced plasma levels of CCL11 have been found in environmentally enriched mice and correlated with improved long-term memory performance (Scabia et al., 2021). Potential cellular effectors that translate variations in CCL11 levels into an impact on neural circuit function and, ultimately, cognitive performance, are the oligodendroglia. Using advanced optical techniques including whole-brain light-sheet microscopy and longitudinal in vivo two-photon imaging, the project aims to elucidate whether CCL11 impairs memory by affecting activity-dependent oligodendrocyte function and activity-dependent myelination.

The lab is located at the NICO, https://www.nico.ottolenghi.unito.it/eng, an interdepartmental center of the University of Turin, a young and exciting environment with state-of-the-art research facilities. Moreover, the research will benefit from the intense collaboration and exchange within an established research network. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and goal-oriented individual with a background in neuroscience or related fields. Previous experience in neuro-morpho-anatomical methods and image analysis is highly recommended.

Interested candidates are invited to direct enquiries to Prof. Serena Bovetti (serena.bovetti@unito.it). Please include a motivation letter, your CV and contact details of two referees.
IMPORTANT: To finalize the application, candidates must access the “PROCEDURA DI VALUTAZIONE COMPARATIVA PER IL CONFERIMENTO DI ASSEGNI DI RICERCA” – “Bandi per il conferimento di assegni di ricerca – II tornata 2024” – Polo Scienze della Natura – https://pica.cineca.it/unito/assegni-di-ricerca-unito-2024-ii-sdn/- Deadline: September 23, 2024.