Job ID: 99459

PhD student in Neuroscience of Default Mode Network

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 31 December 2023

Employment Start Date: 1 March 2023

City: Fribourg

Country: Switzerland

Institution: University of Fribourg

Department: Neuroscience

Description:

We are looking for a motivated student to join our group working in the area of optogenetic modulation of the Default Mode Network.  Building on some of our recent discoveries (https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1712431115 or https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.210364211, we would like to further clarify how the basal forebrain modulates global brain state between default mode (internal focus, self-referential processing) and attentional mode (external focus, sensory information processing).  The Default Mode Network plays an imporant role in many brain disorders, but very little is known about how it can be modulated using causal interventions.  The project involves wireless optogenetics, behavioral manipulations, neural circuit interrogation in animals, so some previous knowledge of Python or Matlab is advantageous. We also use machine learning for behavioral state classificaiton using DeepLabCut, so an interest in this area is also an asset.   We offer an exciting, state of the art environment where you can make an important contribution to cutting edge science. Salary is approximately 50’000 CHF per year.  The University of Fribourg offers a graduate school in life sciences that fosters exchange of ideas among young scientists. The position is in principle suitable for graduates with MSc degrees in science or psychology.  Please contact me for further information!