Mastering movement: structure and function of the ‘little brain’

The cerebellum, or ‘little brain’, is essential for our ability to learn new skills. By integrating information from the spinal cord and the senses to see how well each movement is executed, it can implement changes if the movement does not match the desired result. Its importance to the coordination, timing and precision of our movements can be seen by the many motor deficits in patients with cerebellar pathologies, including poor balance, tremors, and an inability to perform rapid movements.

Crucial to the motor learning process is the detection of a mismatch between the intended and actual movement by the inferior olivary nucleus (IO), which changes how the Purkinje neurons in the cerebellum operate. Despite its central importance to motor learning, it is unclear how the IO encodes this error signal.

A collaboration with various members of the lab, this project aims to understand this process by probing the activity and connectivity of the larval zebrafish IO, an excellent model for IO function across the vertebrate phylum because of its tractability. We will use a combination of the latest tools in neural circuit reconstruction by connectomics, activity imaging, optogenetics, and behavioural analyses using lab-generated AI tools.

The project will provide an excellent training opportunity, preparing you for a career in the scientific and technology sectors. You’ll work on a fundamental process with potential medical applications, and gain skills in handling big data and using machine learning.

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in science. We welcome applications from students from all backgrounds, and in particular from individuals from groups in the UK underrepresented in STEM research.

HOW TO APPLY

Application instructions can be found on the EASTBIO website- http://www.eastscotbiodtp.ac.uk/how-apply-0

1)     Download and complete the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion survey.

2)     Download and complete the EASTBIO Application Form.

3)     Submit an application to St Andrews University through the Online Application Portal

Your online application must include the following documents:

–         Completed EASTBIO application form

–         2 References (to be completed on the EASTBIO Reference Form, also found on the EASTBIO website)

–         Academic Qualifications

–         English Language Qualification (if applicable)

Unfortunately due to workload constraints, we cannot consider incomplete applications. Please make sure your application is complete by 27^th November 2023

 CONTACT

Queries on the project can be directed to the project supervisor.

Queries on the application process can be directed to Rachel Horn at pgrecbiology@st-andrews.ac.uk

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