Job ID: 98446

Postdoctoral position in Circuit Neuroscience

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 15 January 2022

Contract Length: 4 years

City: Genova

Country: Italy

Institution: Italian Institute of Technology

Department: Neuromodulation of Cortical and Subcortical Circuits

Description:

Applications are invited to join our multidisciplinary and highly collaborative research team as postdoctoral fellow.

The lab applies a multiscale neuroscience approach to investigate the synaptic and cellular mechanisms underpinning nervous system functions (i.e., motor control and behavioral flexibility), and to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamic of behaviorally relevant neuromodulatory signals at circuit level resolution (for reference see Cavaccini et al., Neuron 2018; Alberio et al., Nature Methods 2018; Boender et al., Biol Psychiatric 2021; Peters et al., TINS, 2021).

The successful applicant will examine how midbrain neuromodulatory circuits and target-specific modulation of the descending prefrontal cortex inputs shape the processing of emotional state information in motor control regions (striatum), both in health and disease states (psychomotor and affective disorders).

To this purpose, the candidate will apply neurophysiological, optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches. These approaches will be implemented by using state-of-the art imaging techniques (two-photon calcium imaging ex-vivo, miniscope imaging and fiber photometry in-vivo) to monitor neuronal and astrocytic activity along with neuromodulatory signals (i.e. serotonin, noradrenaline and endocannabinoids) during behavioral paradigms.

Knowledge of ex vivo and/or in vivo neurophysiology and optogenetics, combined with viral-based approaches to deconstruct and manipulate neuronal circuits in vivo is preferred. Previous experience with  calcium imaging and programming (Python or MATLAB), will be a plus.

Candidates should hold a Ph.D in Physiology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physics or related disciplines and have excellent written and verbal English communication skills. Applicants are expected to have a good publication record and to be highly independent.

Applicants from abroad or Italian citizens who permanently work abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.

Applications should be also submitted online at

https://iit.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?lang=it&job=2100005M.

Informal requests could be sent to raffaella.Tonini@iit.it, quoting “Postdoctoral position circuit neuroscience” in the subject line”. The position will remain open until filled. Starting date flexible.

We inform you that the information you provide will be used solely for the purposes of evaluating and selecting professional profiles in order to meet the requirements of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia.

Your data will be processed by Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, based in Genoa, Via Morego 30, acting as Data Controller, in compliance with the rules on protection of personal data, including those related to data security.

Please also note that, pursuant to articles 15 et. seq. of European Regulation no. 679/2016 (General Data Protection Regulation), you may exercise your rights at any time by contacting the Data Protection Officer (phone Tel: +39 010 28961 – email: dpo@iit.it ).