Job ID: 113725

Two Postdocs in non-human primate neuroscience

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 20 July 2023

Employment Start Date: 1 October 2023

Contract Length: 3 years (can be potentially extended)

City: Magdeburg

Country: Germany

Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg

Department: Sensory Physiology

Description:

The Sensory Physiology group at OVGU Magdeburg, led by Prof. Kristine Krug, investigates, together with Senior Prof. Andrew Parker, the neural basis of perceptual decision-making in primates. Our international research group seeks to establish the direct contribution of neuronal signals and circuits to cognition in Rhesus monkeys and humans. Our methods include cellular neurophysiology, high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 7T and cutting-edge brain stimulation methods.

1) Postdoctoral Scientist (m/f/d) in cortical-subcortical network interactions

https://ovgu.b-ite.careers/kpuka

As part of the LOOPS priority programme funded by the DFG (German Research Foundation), we seek a postdoctoral scientist to investigate the role of thalamo-cortical circuits in computing and calibrating the organization of 3-D visual space. The project will investigate how signals from the pulvinar nuclei influence cortical perceptual processes, using high-density in vivo neurophysiological recordings and causal intervention methods, specifically transcranial focused ultrasound and chemogenetics.

Tasks of the postdoctoral scientist:

  • to test the role of pulvinar-cortical interactions in binocular visual processing, using dual recording in the pulvinar nuclei and visual cortical areas
  • to test the consequences of temporary, reversible inactivation of pulvinar sites using non-invasive exposure to transcranial ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) and chemical inactivation by DREADDs, guided by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging
  • to collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team and across the LOOPS network throughout Germany
  • to take responsibility for research progress and research reporting, presentations at scientific meetings etc.
  • to contribute to the development of methodology, the conduct of animal experiments and the fostering of collaborations

2) Postdoctoral Scientist (m/f/d) in primate neuroscience  

https://ovgu.b-ite.careers/ad6bq

We seek a postdoctoral scientist to investigate dynamic neuronal interactions that shape the perception of three-dimensional objects in space, within and across cortical columns in visual and parietal cortex. The project involves high-dimensional, multi-site neurophysiological recordings and optogenetic stimulation in Rhesus monkeys to determine the neural codes for perceiving and making decisions about naturalistic, dynamically changing visual objects and scenes. Simultaneous MRI and neurophysiology allow the comparison of coding principles between monkeys and humans.

Main responsibilities:

  • to investigate the neural basis of perceptual decision-making using simultaneous, high-dimensional neurophysiological recording in two or more cortical areas
  • to determine the direct contribution of specific circuit elements to perceptual decisions through optogenetic and electrical stimulation
  • to compare perceptual coding between human and non-human species using high-field MRI
  • to collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team and taking responsibility for research progress and research reporting, presentations at scientific meetings etc.
  • to contribute to the development of methodology, the conduct of animal experiments in the laboratory and the fostering of international collaborations
  • to contribute to teaching advanced neuroscience students (4 semester hours per week; mentoring will be provided)

Requirements for the positions:

  • a PhD in neuroscience, medicine, or another natural science and a strong quantitative background
  • experience with at least on of the following: mammalian neurophysiology,  optogenetics, chemogenetics, behaviour, or MRI, in particular with non-human primates
  • experience in computational modelling or programming, e.g. with MATLAB or Python, and in statistical methods
  • excellent language skills in English (German language skills are welcome but not essential)
  • confidence and motivation to develop methodology/data analysis techniques and drive research projects forward

These are fixed term posts, initially for three years, but can be potentially extended. If you have questions about the advertised position, please contact Prof. Kristine Krug (kristine.krug(at)ovgu.de or 0391 67 55067) or Prof. Andrew Parker (andrew.parker(at)ovgu.de). For further information about the research group, please see www.lisp.ovgu.de.

The Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, with its associated institutes, has an internationally renowned scientific profile in Neuroscience. Magdeburg is a vibrant and multidisciplinary scientific environment offering a broad range of opportunities for cutting-edge neuroscience research, including high-field, high-resolution MRI (7T) and state-of-the-art facilities for research with non-human primates.

Otto von Guericke University is a signatory of the German Diversity Charter. We welcome your application, regardless of gender, cultural and social background, age or sexual orientation. Applications from severely disabled people or people with an equivalent impairment will be given priority in the case of equal suitability, ability and professional expertise. The Otto von Guericke University strongly promotes gender equality in all professional areas.

Please send your complete application (cover letter, statement of research experience, curriculum vitae, names of two referees) by 20 July 2023 (date of receipt of application) using the online application portal (follow the links above).