Job ID: 114205
Postdoctoral position in Circuit Neuroscience of Depression Comorbidities
Position: Post-doctoral Position
Deadline: 15 September 2023
Employment Start Date: 1 October 2023
Contract Length: 2 years
City: Genova
Country: Italy
Institution: Italian Institute of Technology and University of Milano
Department: NmCs and Ion channel biophysics Lab
Description:
In the framework of a joint research project between Dr. Raffaella Tonini (NmCS Lab, Italian Institute of Technology) and Prof. Anna Moroni (Ion channel biophysics Lab, University of Milano), a postdoctoral position is available to work at the intersection between circuit neuroscience and protein engineering.
The Nmcs lab at IIT applies a multiscale neuroscience approach to investigate the synaptic and cellular mechanisms underpinning nervous system functions (i.e., motor control and behavioral flexibility). The Moroni’s lab uses protein engineering approaches to build synthetic ion channels for neuroscience research, including channels that are gated by remote stimuli such as light, temperature and ultrasounds and find useful applications in the control of pain (see Alberio and Locarno, Nature Methods, 2018).
The project investigates the role of the amygdala-dorsal raphe neurocircuitry in processing the affective-emotional component of allodynia and depression-like behavior, and its impact on motor control. To this purpose, the candidate will apply neurophysiological, thermo- and sono-genetics approaches to investigate, both ex vivo and in vivo, micro- and microcircuits of the brain.
Candidates should hold a Ph.D in Physiology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physics, or related disciplines. Excellent written and verbal English communication skills are expected, alongside good track record of publications in international scientific journals and a team-oriented attitude.
Required qualifications,
- Expertise in electrophysiology (whole cell patch clamp)
- Background in signal processing expertise appropriate for the analysis of single-cell and circuit function
- Experience in animal handling and training
- Excellent skills in data interpretation
Prior expertise with viral-based approaches to deconstruct and manipulate neuronal circuits in vivo and/or with large-scale neuronal imaging and programming (Python or MATLAB), will be a plus.
Applications, including detailed curriculum vitae and name and contacts of 2 referees, should be submitted in PDF format to Raffaella.tonini@iit.it and anna.moroni@unimi.it
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