The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is one of the Faculty of Science’s
largest institutes. Its approximately 200 scientists and staff members
work in 14 research groups that perform excellent research centered on
four themes: 1) The Living Cell, 2) Plant Signaling, 3) Neuroscience,
and 4) Life Science Technologies.
The
research group Cellular and System Neuroscience is part of the SILS
Neuroscience theme and investigates the regulation of neuronal
excitability and plasticity at the membrane, cellular and network level
using electrophysiological, pharmacological and neuro-imaging
techniques. The Neuroscience groups participate in the Graduate School
for Neurosciences Amsterdam Rotterdam (ONWAR).
We have a position available for a PhD Student Neuroscience.
Project Description
The
gating function of the perirhinal cortex: Characterization of its
micro-circuit, its modulation by endocannabinoids and its role in
epilepsy.
The
perirhinal cortex is a brain region that operates as a functional gate
between the neocortex and the hippocampal formation. It is involved in
learning and memory, and could well play an important role in the
generation of epilepsy.
The goal
of this project is to characterize the micro-circuitry of the
perirhinal cortex and in particular to understand the functioning of the
gate. One important approach will be to quantify the balance between
excitation and inhibition in the micro-circuit. This will require to
investigate the participating excitatory and inhibitory neurons and
their intercommunication. The candidate will also investigate the
modulation of the circuit and its gating function by the endocannabinoid
system. We hypothesize that break-down of the gate is an essential
aspect of epileptogenesis which will be studied in an experimental model
of epilepsy.
The
experimental approach will use acute brain slices and employ voltage
sensitive dye imaging, various patch clamping techniques, optogenetics,
histology and pharmacological manipulation.
Requirements
We are
looking for a highly motivated, ambitious student with a Master degree
in Neuroscience (or equivalent). Analytical skills and experimental
talent are essential, a background in (cellular) electrophysiology is an
advantage.
Further Information
Project information may be obtained from:
- Dr. NLM Cappaert
telephone: + 31-(0)20-525-7625 - Dr. T.R. Werkman
telephone: + 31-(0)20-525-7632 - Prof.dr. W.J. Wadman
telephone: + 31-(0)20-525-7641
More information about SILS - Centre for Neuroscience can be found at: http://sils.uva.nl/cns
Appointment
The
appointment will be on a temporary basis for a period of 4 years
(initial appointment will be for a period of 18 year and after
satisfactory evaluation it can be extended for a total duration of 4
years) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). An educational
plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses and
(international) meetings. The PhD student is also expected to assist in
teaching of undergraduates.
Based on
a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary
will range from €2042,- in the first year to €2612,- in the last year.
The Collective Employment Agreement (CAO) of the Dutch Universities is applicable.
Job Application
To save
paper and the environment, applications may only be submitted by
electronic mail by clicking the Apply Now-button below. To process your
application immediately, please quote the vacancy number 13-023 and the
position you are applying for in the subject-line.
Applications
must include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a cover letter
and the names and contact details of at least two academic referees.
All these should be grouped in one PDF attachment.
Application Deadline : 4 March 2013
