Phd in Neuroscience Studying Sensorimotor Control

PhD; Research, development, innovation             ·             Rotterdam             ·           Full time

PhD in Neuroscience studying sensorimotor control

Published : 21 Aug

Deadline: 31 Aug 

Location: Rotterdam

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.

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.

Conditions Of Employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years. The gross monthly salary is € 2.789 ,- in the 1st year and increases to € 3.536,- in the 4th year (scale OIO).
• 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 a incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

Employer

Erasmus MC

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.

Additional Information

For more information about this position, please contact Martijn Schonewille, phone number: +31 (0)10 703 8095.

If you are excited by the thought of this position and would like to apply, please do so by using the application form on our website.

Working at Erasmus MC

At Erasmus MC we dare to step forward in research, education and health care.

Read more

 Apply now

Specifications

• PhD; Research, development, innovation
• Health
• 36 hours per week
• €2789—€3536 per month
• University graduate
• 14.23.BW-P1300140-1