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Postdoctoral Position in Systems Neuroscience
In vivo Imaging of Hippocampal Ensemble Coding, Memory Consolidation and Sleep Disturbances in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Keywords: pre-clinical/systems neuroscience, in vivo calcium imaging, rodent, population coding, neural ensemble learning, two-photon, freely moving, microendoscopy
Background:
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) or frontotemporal dementia are characterized by a progressive decline of function in a subset of highly distinct brain areas. Declarative memory formation and recall, which are often compromised in AD patients (Kessels et al., 2011), are well known to crucially rely on the hippocampus, a structure located deep within the mammalian brain. However, it still remains unknown how altered hippocampal network activity relates to compromised memory consolidation during sleep and later to cognitive decline in AD-like dementia.
To address this knowledge gap from the pre-clinical side, we are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a strong motivation to understand the role of sleep in normal (healthy) or impaired hippocampal learning and memory consolidation. In line with the lab’s expertise we plan to utilize miniaturized in vivo population calcium imaging. This cutting-edge methodology allows us to record the ensemble activity and formation of hundreds of CA1 neurons in freely moving animals during learning and memory consolidation (sleep).
Ideal candidates have a strong academic record, expertise in working with rodent animal models, and are familiar with calcium imaging and data analysis in Matlab. The project involves close collaboration with PIs at the Institute of Neuroinformatics (INI) and at Roche, to carry out behavior experiments and post-hoc data analysis. The successful candidate will acquire a unique expertise in state-of-the-art calcium imaging technologies. This position is sponsored by the Roche Postdoctoral Fellowship (RPF) Programme. The RPF Programme is aimed towards future Scientific Leadership and enables leading academic research groups to collaborate with Roche scientists. One key focus of the RPF Programme is to promote innovative projects, which should yield scientific publications in top-rated, peer-reviewed journals, or in addition have the potential for establishing patented technology applications.
Your profile:
Applicants should hold a PhD in a neurobiology or neuroscience-related field (e.g. systems neuroscience, neurophysiology, cell physiology, neuroinformatics). Ideal candidates are familiar with in vivo rodent surgery, optogenetic or imaging methods and optical/microscope systems, have very good interpersonal and communication skills, are able to build good working relationships, and are outstanding teammates. Proficiency in English and a team-oriented working attitude are crucial for the applicant’s success.
Job Information: Compensation/salary will be paid according to ETH guidelines for postdoctoral researchers. Earliest start date is the 1st of June 2021. The duration of RPF project is initially set for two years, with the possibility of extension for a third year. The position remains open until filled.
Background: Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) or frontotemporal dementia are characterized by a progressive decline of function in a subset of highly distinct brain areas. Declarative memory formation and recall, which are often compromised in AD patients (Kessels et al., 2011), are well known to crucially rely on the hippocampus, a structure located deep within the mammalian brain. However, it still remains unknown how altered hippocampal network activity relates to compromised memory consolidation during sleep and later to cognitive decline in AD-like dementia.
To address this knowledge gap from the pre-clinical side, we are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a strong motivation to understand the role of sleep in normal (healthy) or impaired hippocampal learning and memory consolidation. In line with the lab’s expertise we plan to utilize miniaturized in vivo population calcium imaging. This cutting-edge methodology allows us to record the ensemble activity and formation of hundreds of CA1 neurons in freely moving animals during learning and memory consolidation (sleep).
Ideal candidates have a strong academic record, expertise in working with rodent animal models, and are familiar with calcium imaging and data analysis in Matlab. The project involves close collaboration with PIs at the Institute of Neuroinformatics (INI) and at Roche, to carry out behavior experiments and post-hoc data analysis. The successful candidate will acquire a unique expertise in state-of-the-art calcium imaging technologies. This position is sponsored by the Roche Postdoctoral Fellowship (RPF) Programme. The RPF Programme is aimed towards future Scientific Leadership and enables leading academic research groups to collaborate with Roche scientists. One key focus of the RPF Programme is to promote innovative projects, which should yield scientific publications in top-rated, peer-reviewed journals, or in addition have the potential for establishing patented technology applications.
Your profile: Applicants should hold a PhD in a neurobiology or neuroscience-related field (e.g. systems neuroscience, neurophysiology, cell physiology, neuroinformatics). Ideal candidates are familiar with in vivo rodent surgery, optogenetic or imaging methods and optical/microscope systems, have very good interpersonal and communication skills, are able to build good working relationships, and are outstanding teammates. Proficiency in English and a team-oriented working attitude are crucial for the applicant’s success.
Job Information: Compensation/salary will be paid according to ETH guidelines for postdoctoral researchers. Earliest start date is the 1st of June 2021. The duration of RPF project is initially set for two years, with the possibility of extension for a third year. The position remains open until filled.
Not specified
Application:
Please submit your complete application as one PDF via email to bgrewe@ethz.ch. The application should include the following documents:
1. A cover letter that includes the main motivation for doing a postdoc at the INI.
2. Contact details of 3 references (email and phone number).
3. CV outlining prior education, research and publications.
4. Academic transcripts (bachelor, master/diploma and PhD).
5. A 2-3 page research statement. The research statement should cover applicant’s future research goals, research project interest and how the applicant fits into the INI research culture.
Application: Please submit your complete application as one PDF via email to bgrewe@ethz.ch. The application should include the following documents: 1. A cover letter that includes the main motivation for doing a postdoc at the INI. 2. Contact details of 3 references (email and phone number). 3. CV outlining prior education, research and publications. 4. Academic transcripts (bachelor, master/diploma and PhD). 5. A 2-3 page research statement. The research statement should cover applicant’s future research goals, research project interest and how the applicant fits into the INI research culture.