Operations and Project Lead Arabic - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - CarePoint

CarePoint Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

1 week ago

Description

Fully fundedPhD student / postdoctoral research associate position available atNeuro-Electronics Research Flanders in Leuven, Belgium, (NERF, ),will be supervised by Vincent Bonin (NERF) and Lut Arckens (KULeuven).

We are looking for a highly motivatedand enthusiastic fellow interested in astrocyte neurobiology tojoin an exciting multi-lab collaboration on cell subtype-specificneuron-glia interactions between the Vision to Action Lab (PI:Vincent Bonin, NERF), the Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics Lab(Lut Arckens, KU Leuven), and the Laboratory for Glia Biology(Matthew Holt, VIB CBD). This consortium of labs brings expertisein visual cortical processing, visual plasticity and astrocytebiology and provides the opportunity to bridge measurements acrossscales and modalities.

The goal of the projectis to reveal the contribution of astrocyte subtypes to visualplasticity. The overwhelming majority of work on corticalplasticity has focused on neurons. With their demonstrated roles insynaptic modeling, synaptic communication and neuromodulation,astrocytes could play a fundamental role in driving or modulatingneural plasticity. To address this, we use a synergisticcombination of approaches, including controlled visual deprivationexperiments, single cell gene expression profiling, physiologicaland neuroanatomical measurements, in vivo andex vivo, combined with chemogeneticmanipulation of local astrocyte activity.

Theselected fellow will investigate the role of astrocytes inplasticity by combining visual deprivation assays withcharacterization of dynamic neuron-glia interactions upon sensoryplasticity. The work will involve ex vivocharacterization, as well as cellular imaging of dendritic spines,calcium imaging of neurons and chemogenetic activation andinactivation of neurons and astrocytes in the awake behaving mouse.Targeting of specific cell subtypes will be guided by single celltranscriptome work and observations in fixed tissue and corticalbrain slices, performed by our partner labs.

Thefellow will closely collaborate with members of the Arckens andHolt labs on omics, ex vivo physiology andneuroanatomical approaches. Fellows also have ample opportunitiesto interact with partner labs at VIB and KU Leuven. Careeradvancement activities, such as presentations at internationalscientific events, writing of funding proposals and organization ofworkshops, are strongly encouraged.

Profile

We seek a highly motivatedindividual with strong quantitative and technical skills and acollaborative spirit. While we have a preference for postdoctoralcandidates, highly motivated and accomplished Master s students whodesire to do an ambitious PhD project will also beconsidered.

PhD studentapplicants: MSc degree in life sciences,physical sciences or engineering, with significant lab experienceand a strong interest in quantitative anatomy or physiology areencouraged to apply. Prior experience in electrophysiology,in vivo imaging, quantitative animal behaviouror in data analysis is an advantage. Applications outside the NERFPhD program are welcome.

Postdocapplicants: PhD (or expected PhD) inneurobiology or a relevant field with an excellent research trackrecord, strong technical and data analytical abilities (Python,MATLAB), and demonstrated ability to independently run projects areencouraged to apply. Prior experience with mice or invivo electrophysiology, imaging or opto- orchemogenetics is an advantage but not a requirement. Computationalscientists with interest in experimental neuroscience areencouraged to apply.

We offer

Opportunity to do cutting edge science in a supportive andcollaborative team. The candidate will join the vibrant communityof students and postdocs at NERF and Leuven Brain Institute. Thelab has a strong multidisciplinary team with expertise in corticaland thalamocortical processing, large-scale and cellular resolutionoptical and electrical recordings, and is known for its open andcollegial atmosphere and the strength of its collaborativework.

State-of-the-art tools and facilities: Thelaboratory is equipped with dedicated surgical, behavioral, andviral vector facilities, multiple setups for multiphotonmicroscopy, widefield imaging, high-density electrode recordings(Neuropixels) and patterned-light optogenetics. Proximity toexciting research institutes at the heart of Europe. NERF is withinwalking distance of KU Leuven on the campus of Imec, a world-leaderin nanoelectronics research. Leuven is a short train ride away fromBrussels at the heart of Europe.

This is afully funded position. The position is for an initial 1-year termwith the possibility of extension for up to 3-years assumingsatisfactory performance.

How toapply?

Submit your application through the VIBonline application tool:

The applicationpackage should include:

a CV withcomplete publication list, including preprints and manuscripts inpreparation,
the names and contact informationof 2-3 referees,
a motivation letter andresearch statement specifying career goals and research interests.

For information and questions,contact, . Applications by e-mail willnot be considered.

https:///research/nerf-labs/bonin-lab

References

Slezak M, Kandler S, et al Distinct Mechanisms for Visual and Motor-Related AstrocyteResponses in Mouse Visual Cortex. Current Biology 29, e3125. PDF.

Linaro D, Vermaercke B, Iwata R, etal Xenotransplanted Human Cortical Neurons RevealSpecies-Specific Development and Functional Integration into MouseVisual Circuits. Neuron 104, e976. PDF.

Hennes M, Lombaert N, Wahis J, Van den Haute C, Holt MG,Arckens L Astrocytes shape the plastic response of adultcortical neurons to vision loss. Glia 68, doi:10.1002/glia Epub 2020 Apr 1. PDF.

Bayraktar OA, Bartels T, Holmqvist S, Kleshchevnikov V,Martirosyan A, Polioudakis D, Ben Haim L, Young AMH, Batiuk MY,Prakash K, Brown A, Roberts K, Paredes MF, Kawaguchi R, StockleyJH, Sabeur K, Chang SM, Huang E, Hutchinson P, Ullian EM, HembergM, Coppola G, Holt MG, Geschwind DH,Rowitch DH Astrocyte layers in the mammalian cerebralcortex revealed by a single-cell in situ transcriptomic map. NatNeurosci. 23, doi: /s41-1. Epub 2020 Mar 16.PDF.