PhD positions in systems neuroscience
Description
PhD positions in systems neuroscience available starting October 2011 in the laboratory of Vincent Bonin at Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders in Leuven, Belgium, (NERF, www.nerf.be) with support from VIB, imec and K.U. Leuven.
The purpose of the Bonin lab is to understand the network computations and biological mechanisms that underlie visual processing in the mammalian brain. We use a combination of large-scale neural recordings (two-photon calcium imaging, millimeter scale imaging, silicon probes), neural stimulation, and computational modeling to probe large populations of neurons in the visual system of awake, behaving mice. We study how different components of the neural circuit underlie specific sensory computations, and how these computations are tailored to the animal’s visual environment and behavioral goals.
The successful candidates will apply electrophysiological and advanced imaging techniques to study the visual cortical circuit in awake, behaving mice. They will have access to state-of-the-art tools and facilities, a rich training environment, and the possibility to collaborate with other groups within NERF, VIB, IMEC and K.U. Leuven. Qualified students will have the opportunity to enroll in VIB and K.U. Leuven’s international graduate programs.
Environment
Founded by VIB, imec and K.U. Leuven, NERF aims to unravel the anatomical and functional fundamentals of neuronal circuits. NERF is housed on the imec campus where researchers work in cross-disciplinary teams, benefitting from imec’s state-of-the-art clean room infrastructure and a new 1,000m² neuroscience lab. The research groups of NERF are integrated in the research community of VIB, imec and K.U. Leuven and have full access to the research, technology and service facilities of the founding institutions. By 2014, NERF aims to expand its team to about 50 international researchers.
VIB is a flagship life sciences research institute in Flanders, Belgium. With more than 1200 scientists from over 60 countries, we perform basic research into the molecular foundations of life. VIB is an excellence-based entrepreneurial institute that focuses on translating basic scientific results into pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial applications. VIB develops and disseminates a wide range of science-based information about all aspects of biotechnology.
Imec is a world-leading research institute in nano-electronics and nano-technology. Its staff of more than 1,900 people includes over 500 industrial residents and guest researchers. Imec’s research is applied in better healthcare, smart electronics, sustainable energy, and safer transport.
Profile
You have a university degree in the biological, physical or behavioral sciences. You are passionate about neuroscience and are eager to learn new tools to decipher neural function. You feel comfortable working with small animals and performing precise procedures such as neurosurgeries. You have strong quantitative and technical skills, are able to tinker with complex instruments and software, and are fluent in at least one programming language. You like to be challenged, and are able to work independently, as well as within a team, towards established goals.
Postdoc positions in systems neuroscience
Description
Postdoc positions in systems neuroscience available starting October 2011 in the laboratory of Vincent Bonin at Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders in Leuven, Belgium, (NERF, www.nerf.be) with support from VIB, imec and K.U. Leuven.
The purpose of the Bonin lab is to understand the network computations and biological mechanisms that underlie visual processing in the mammalian brain. We use a combination of large-scale neural recordings (two-photon calcium imaging, millimeter scale imaging, silicon probes), neural stimulation, and computational modeling to probe large populations of neurons in the visual system of awake, behaving mice. We study how different components of the neural circuit underlie specific sensory computations, and how these computations are tailored to the animal’s visual environment and behavioral goals.
The successful candidates will apply electrophysiological and advanced imaging techniques to study the visual cortical circuit in awake, behaving mice. They will have access to state-of-the-art tools and facilities, a rich training environment, and the possibility to collaborate with other groups within NERF, VIB, IMEC and K.U. Leuven.
Environment
Founded by VIB, imec and K.U. Leuven, NERF aims to unravel the anatomical and functional fundamentals of neuronal circuits. NERF is housed on the imec campus where researchers work in cross-disciplinary teams, benefitting from imec’s state-of-the-art clean room infrastructure and a new 1,000m² neuroscience lab. The research groups of NERF are integrated in the research community of VIB, imec and K.U. Leuven and have full access to the research, technology and service facilities of the founding institutions. By 2014, NERF aims to expand its team to about 50 international researchers.
VIB is a flagship life sciences research institute in Flanders, Belgium. With more than 1200 scientists from over 60 countries, we perform basic research into the molecular foundations of life. VIB is an excellence-based entrepreneurial institute that focuses on translating basic scientific results into pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial applications. VIB develops and disseminates a wide range of science-based information about all aspects of biotechnology.
Imec is a world-leading research institute in nano-electronics and nano-technology. Its staff of more than 1,900 people includes over 500 industrial residents and guest researchers. Imec’s research is applied in better healthcare, smart electronics, sustainable energy, and safer transport.
Profile
You have (or are about to obtain) a PhD in the biological, physical or behavioral sciences or in a relevant field. You have significant research experience in systems, cellular or molecular neuroscience. You have strong experimental skills, experience with in vitro or in vivo electrophysiology, mouse genetics, or imaging, and have excellent scientific communication skills. You have strong quantitative and technical skills, are able to tinker with complex instruments and software, and are fluent in MATLAB and one additional programming language. You feel comfortable designing your own research and have a record of working independently, as well as within a team, towards established goals.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to send a letter of interest (1 page), a short curriculum vitae (max 3 pages) and the names of 2 - 3 references to:
Vincent Bonin, PhD
Group Leader
Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders
VIB, Imec, K.U.Leuven
Imec - NERF
Kapeldreef 75
3001 Leuven