Job ID: 122923

Dendritic basis of sensory-motor learning and computation – PhD in Neuroscience

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 5 June 2025

Employment Start Date: 1 November 2025

Contract Length: 4 years

City: Rovereto

Country: Italy

Institution: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

Department: Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems

Description:

The Rossi Lab at the Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, invites applications for a PhD scholarship to investigate the circuit mechanisms of learning and sensory motor-computation, focusing on the functional role of neuronal dendrites.

Our research aims to understand how the specialised activity of individual neurons, and brain areas, emerges from the architecture of their synaptic connections, how gene expression predisposes their blueprint, and how their plasticity allows animals to learn. To address these challenges, we investigate the neural architectures that enable adaptive visually guided behaviours in the mouse, leveraging methods from system neuroscience, physiology, anatomy, and molecular biology to link function, connectivity, and gene expression in vivo at multiple scales. For more info, see:
(https://rossilab.iit.it/)

Role summary

Neurons have mesmerizing dendritic trees, which are thought to operate as an independent processing unit of specialized synaptic inputs, capable of driving the soma with active properties, acting as coincidence detectors or gating drive from other dendrites. This functional compartmentalization is thought to expand neuronal computational capabilities and has inspired powerful models of neuromorphic computing. More importantly, dendrites are the substrate of the synaptic plasticity that allows neurons to learn new computations and consolidate new memories in neural circuits. However, so far, it has been difficult to test these theories with causal, dendritic recordings and manipulations in vivo; therefore their role for information processing and learning remains unclear.

To test these theories, this project will develop methods to simultaneously map and perturb synaptic inputs and output in single neurons, and deploy them to causally probe the function of dendrites in vivo during learning and adaptive visual behaviour. These include simultaneous synaptic glutamate and calcium imaging, optogenetics, optical pruning, and high-density Neuropixels recordings. We will also guide and complement this experimental work with analysis and modelling of large scale functional connectomics datasets.

Who we are looking for:

We are committed to building a diverse, multi-disciplinary and collegial laboratory. We are looking for MSc students across STEM and engineering backgrounds, who wonder at the marvels of experimental observation, enjoy crafting new tools to investigate neurophysiology and animal behaviour, and are eager to challenge their expertise.

Besides their track record and interest for the lab research programme, candidates will be assessed on the following criteria: critical thinking; hands-on training in experimental physiology or computational modelling; data analysis and programming skills in Python or Matlab; science communication skills in English; expertise in designing and controlling experimental and behavioural setups.

Research environment and training:

Successful candidates will join a growing diverse, multidisciplinary and collegial group, will help build our new lab, and will be offered direct training, supervision and mentorship from the principal investigator. Additional training computational modelling of neural circuits and neural networks will be offered by our collaborators at Universita’ Bocconi.

The position is a four-years scholarship, offered in partnership with the international doctoral school in Cognitive and Brain Sciences (CIMEC) at the University of Trento. Candidates will join a diverse cohort of PhD students and receive multi-disciplinary training at the interface of computational, experimental and cognitive neuroscience across humans and animal models.

The IIT-CNCS in Rovereto is actively expanding its infrastructure for systems level neuroscience research; our centre is located in Trentino, a region of Northern Italy nested in the Dolomite mountains, offering easy access to spectacular natural beauty and mountaineering, vibrant culture and exceptional quality of life. (https://www.iit.it/it-IT/cncs-unitn/)

How to apply

To apply, please follow the guidelines on the CIMeC doctoral school website. Final admission to entails a competitive selection process, as per the doctoral school regulations.

Candidates can informally contact Dr Federico Rossi (federico.rossi@iit.it) to gather more information about the position, the project and the selection process.