Description Fully funded PhD student / postdoctoral research associate position available at Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders in Leuven, Belgium, (NERF, ), will be supervised by Vincent Bonin (NERF) and Lut Arckens (KU Leuven). We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic fellow interested in astrocyte neurobiology to join an exciting multi-lab collaboration on cell subtype-specific neuron-glia interactions between the Vision to Action Lab (PI: Vincent Bonin, NERF), the Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics Lab (Lut Arckens, KU Leuven), and the Laboratory for Glia Biology (Matthew Holt, VIB CBD). This consortium of labs brings expertise in visual cortical processing, visual plasticity and astrocyte biology and provides the opportunity to bridge measurements across scales andThe goal of the project is to reveal the contribution of astrocyte subtypes to visualThe overwhelming majority of work on cortical plasticity has focused onWith their demonstrated roles in synaptic modeling, synaptic communication and neuromodulation, astrocytes could play a fundamental role in driving or modulating neuralTo address this, we use a synergistic combination of approaches, including controlled visual deprivation experiments, single cell gene expression profiling, physiological and neuroanatomical measurements, in vivo and ex vivo, combined with chemogenetic manipulation of local astrocyteThe selected fellow will investigate the role of astrocytes in plasticity by combining visual deprivation assays with characterization of dynamic neuron-glia interactions upon sensoryThe work will involve ex vivo characterization, as well as cellular imaging of dendritic spines, calcium imaging of neurons and chemogenetic activation and inactivation of neurons and astrocytes in the awake behavingTargeting of specific cell subtypes will be guided by single cell transcriptome work and observations in fixed tissue and cortical brain slices, performed by our partnerThe fellow will closely collaborate with members of the Arckens and Holt labs onomics, ex vivo physiology and neuroanatomicalFellows also have ample opportunities to interact with partner labs at VIB and KUCareer advancement activities, such as presentations at international scientific events, writing of funding proposals and organization of workshops, are stronglyProfile We seek a highly motivated individual with strong quantitative and technical skills and a collaborativeWhile we have a preference for postdoctoral candidates, highly motivated and accomplished Masters students who desire to do an ambitious PhD project will also bePhD student applicants: MSc degree in life sciences, physical sciences or engineering, with significant lab experience and a strong interest in quantitative anatomy or physiology are encouraged toPrior experience in electrophysiology, in vivo imaging, quantitative animal behaviour or in data analysis is anApplications outside the NERF PhD program arePostdoc applicants: PhD (or expected PhD) in neurobiology or a relevant field with an excellent research track record, strong technical and data analytical abilities (Python, MATLAB), and demonstrated ability to independently run projects are encouraged toPrior experience with mice or in vivo electrophysiology, imaging or opto- or chemogenetics is an advantage but not aComputational scientists with interest in experimental neuroscience are encouraged toWe offer Opportunity to do cutting edge science in a supportive and collaborativeThe candidate will join the vibrant community of students and postdocs at NERF and Leuven BrainThe lab has a strong multidisciplinary team with expertise in cortical and thalamocortical processing, large-scale and cellular resolution optical and electrical recordings, and is known for its open and collegial atmosphere and the strength of its collaborativeState-of-the-art tools and facilities: The laboratory is equipped with dedicated surgical, behavioral, and viral vector facilities, multiple setups for multiphoton microscopy, widefield imaging, high-density electrode recordings (Neuropixels) and patterned-lightProximity to exciting research institutes at the heart ofNERF is within walking distance of KU Leuven on the campus of Imec, a world-leader in nanoelectronicsLeuven is a short train ride away from Brussels at the heart ofThis is a fully fundedThe position is for an initial 1-year term with the possibility of extension for up to 3-years assuming satisfactoryHow to apply? Submit your application through the VIB online application tool:The application package should include:a CV with complete publication list, includingpreprints and manuscripts in preparation,the names and contactinformation of 2-3referees,a motivation letter and research statementspecifying career goals and researchFor information and questions, contact, . Applications by e-mail will not behttps:///research/nerf-labs/bonin-labReferences Slezak M, Kandler S, et al (2019). Distinct Mechanisms for Visual and Motor-Related Astrocyte Responses in Mouse VisualCurrent Biology 29, 3120-3127Linaro D, Vermaercke B, Iwata R, et al (2019). Xenotransplanted Human Cortical Neurons Reveal Species-Specific Development and Functional Integration into Mouse VisualNeuron 104, 972-986Hennes M, Lombaert N, Wahis J, Van den Haute C, Holt MG, Arckens L (2020). Astrocytes shape the plastic response of adult cortical neurons to visionGlia 68,doi:Epub 2020 AprBayraktar OA, Bartels T, Holmqvist S, Kleshchevnikov V, Martirosyan A, Polioudakis D, Ben Haim L, Young AMH, Batiuk MY, Prakash K, Brown A, Roberts K, Paredes MF, Kawaguchi R, Stockley JH, Sabeur K, Chang SM, Huang E, Hutchinson P, Ullian EM, Hemberg M, Coppola G, Holt MG, Geschwind DH, Rowitch DH (2020). Astrocyte layers in the mammalian cerebral cortex revealed by a single-cell in situ transcriptomicNat23,doi:Epub 2020 MarBatiuk MY, Martirosyan A, Wahis J, de Vin F, Marneffe C, Kusserow C, Koeppen J, Viana JF, Oliveira JF, Voet T, Ponting CP, Belgard TG, Holt MG (2020). Identification of region-specific astrocyte subtypes at single cellNat11,doi:
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