Job ID: 107032

Postdoc position to investigate behavioral function of dopamine and serotonin and neural bases of impulsivity and compulsivity

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 15 April 2023

Employment Start Date: 15 September 2023

Contract Length: 1+3 years

City: Amsterdam

Country: The Netherlands

Institution: Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience

Department:

Description:

The ‘Neuromodulation and Behavior’ group, headed by Ingo Willuhn, is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join us at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience / Department of Psychiatry (Amsterdam UMC). The primary focus of the successful applicants will be (but is not limited) to investigate the function of dopamine and serotonin and specifically their combinatoric interaction using in-vivo calcium imaging, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV), electrophysiology, and genetically-encoded sensors in freely behaving rodents. The position is part of a prestigious VICI grant from the Dutch Research Council (NWO).

To answer our scientific questions (https://nin.nl/research/researchgroups/willuhn-group/), we use rodent models in which we examine cortico-basal ganglia neuro-circuits and their input from neuromodulator systems. We investigate different aspects of both normal behavior (e.g., habit formation, motivation, reinforcement learning) and pathological behavior (e.g., impulsivity, compulsivity) and use a variety of state-of-the-art, in-vivo research tools, which include custom-designed behavioral assays for mice and rats that are combined with methods for neuro-stimulation (electrical deep-brain stimulation, optogenetics, chemogenetics), and neuro-measurements (FSCV, electrophysiology (single units and LFPs), fluorescence-sensor imaging (fiber photometry and miniscopes). In the long-term, we aim to apply our basic-science findings to treatment of psychiatric illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The ideal candidate has prior experience in analyses of complex data sets along with a proven track record in computer programming using Matlab or comparable software packages. Experience with rodents is desirable. Experience with rodent neuro-surgery is a bonus, but not required. Candidates should have excellent oral and written communication skills (English) and should be highly motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to integrate into a collaborative, enthusiastic, fun, and multi-cultural team of scientists. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, and disability. The fully funded positions are for a period of 1+3 years, including competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Ingo Willuhn (i.willuhn@nin.knaw.nl). Your email should contain a CV/resume, motivation letter, a description of previous work experience and future goals, and contact information for at least two people that are willing to provide letters of reference. The position is available starting immediately, whereby the exact starting date is flexible. The evaluation of candidates will continue until the position is filled.

The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) is a not-for-profit subsidiary of the prestigious Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and hosts over 200 researchers from many different cultural backgrounds distributed over 18 teams, conducting fundamental neuroscience ranging from the level of single neurons to systems to behavior. The institute’s operating language is English. The NIN is located in the southeast of Amsterdam, on the campus of the Amsterdam UMC. Our pre-clinical group is embedded in a larger research team of clinical researchers at the Department of Psychiatry of the Amsterdam University Medical Centers, providing optimal conditions for a translational and multidisciplinary approach.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!