Job ID: 116345

Ph.D. Position in episodic memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 31 December 2023

Contract Length: 4 years

City: Zurich

Country: Switzerland

Institution: Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich

Department:

Description:

Episodic memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease

Project description
The research group led by Xiaomin Zhang, an assistant professor funded by SNSF
PRIMA, is seeking candidates for a Ph.D. position available from January 1st, 2024,
or as soon as possible thereafter. The principal supervisor for this position will be
Prof. Xiaomin Zhang (https://www.hifo.uzh.ch/en/research/zhang.html), and the formal
supervisor will be Prof. Fritjof Helmchen
(https://www.hifo.uzh.ch/en/research/helmchen.html).
The main objective of this project is to investigate the functional role of
neuromodulation in coordinating the hippocampal-dependent memory consolidation in
mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. By conducting research in the laboratory of
Prof. Helmchen, applicants will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with
renowned scientists who possess extensive expertise in optical imaging and advanced
computational skills.

Our group and research
Our research group started on May 1st, 2023, with the primary goal to unravel the
neuronal mechanisms that underlie episodic memory consolidation in the
hippocampus in healthy and Alzheimer’s disease mouse models. Specifically, we
study how hippocampal neurons are recruited into neuronal assemblies during
memory consolidation. Furthermore, we explore the role of neuromodulation in
coordinating hippocampal-dependent memory consolidation in awake behaving
animals.
To achieve our goals, we employ state-of-the-art in vivo whole-cell patch-clamp
techniques and silicon probes to measure neuronal activity at both the single cell and
population levels. Additionally, we utilize fiber photometry to monitor the release of
neuromodulators. Moreover, we incorporate optogenetic perturbations to manipulate
the specific pathways, aiming to gain further insights into the potential tools to alleviate
episodic memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.

Key criteria for the assessment of applicants
• Hold a master’s degree in a relevant field, such as Neuroscience, Biology,
Medicine, Biomedicine, or Physics.
• Demonstrates a curious and internally driven mindset.
• Possesses a strong interest in Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Capable of working effectively in a team environment.
• Has experience in electrophysiology, optogenetics, and virus injections.
• Experience in data analysis using Matlab, Python or R.
• Possessed excellent written and spoken English skills.

We offer
• The position is available from 01.01.2024 for four years.
• The salary will be based on the standard Ph.D. salary of the University of Zürich,
provided the applicant meets the relevant requirements and personal
qualifications.

Application procedure
Please submit your application as a single pdf, including the following:
1. A motivation letter of application, with a maximum length of one page.
2. A CV that includes details of your education, research experience, language
skills, other skills relevant for the position, and contact details of two persons
for references.
3. A certified copy of your original Master of Science diploma and transcript of
records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if
issued in a language other than English. If not completed, a certified/signed
copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution
or supervisor is accepted.
4. If applicable, include a publication list.

Contact Details
Name: Xiaomin Zhang
Email: zhang@hifo.uzh.ch
Website: https://www.hifo.uzh.ch/en/research/zhang.html
We strongly encourage applications from female candidates, and in the case of equal
suitability, competence, and professional performance, they will be given priority.
Individuals with disabilities are also welcome to apply, and they will be treated
preferentially in the case of equal suitability and qualification.