Job Description
Title
The
role of genetic differentiation in cerebellar control of behavior studied using
anatomical, physiological, opto-/chemogenetic and behavioral approaches.
Job description
The
Schonewille lab is looking for a PhD student to study how different
subpopulations of neurons in the cerebellum individually contribute to the
control of movements. This project combines anatomical, electrophysiological,
opto-/chemogenetic and behavioral approaches in rodent models.
The cerebellum, also known as little brain, plays a crucial role in integrating
the information from our senses with the movements we want to make. Central in
this integration is the Purkinje cell, receiving enormous amounts of input with
its massive dendritic tree. Recent developments indicate that the cerebellum
contains at least two subpopulations of Purkinje cells.
The aim of this NWO-ENW funded PhD project is to investigate how these
subpopulations operate, individually and in cooperation, to coordinate and control
learning and behavior. To this end, you will primarily combine
electrophysiology, optogenetic stimulation and behavioral analysis, expanded with immunohistochemistry, anatomical
tracing and ex vivo electrophysiology.
Employment environment
The Department of Neuroscience is a dynamic and collaborative environment of about 150 people across 22 research groups. By conducting groundbreaking work, as a department we aim to be world-leading in research and education. We have access to state-of-the-art equipment and techniques in a strongly collaborative environment.
As a PhD candidate you will work in the Schonewille lab, which focusses on the development and differentiation of cerebellar function and its role in sensorimotor integration. The lab aims to study cerebellar functioning in health and disease by integrating molecular biological approaches with recordings of cellular and population activity and relating both to behavior. You will join an international team of researchers with a wide range of skills and specialties.
Conditions of employment
· Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
· Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
· Special benefits, such as an in-company physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work
Minimum Qualifications
Requirements
· You are a highly-motivated and talented candidate that holds a MSc degree in Biomedical Science, Psychobiology or related field.
· As a candidate you should have affinity with electrophysiology and/or coding.
· You should be able to work both independently and as a member of a large multidisciplinary team.
· Finally, you should have good scientific writing and presentation skills.
Additional information
For more information about this position, please contact Martijn Schonewille, phone number: +31 (0)10 7038095.
If you are excited by the thought of this position and would like to apply, please do so at:
PhD in Neuroscience studying sensorimotor control | Werken bij Erasmus MC