PhD position in neuroscience University

PhD position in neuroscience at Utrecht University

D r. Ting-Feng Lin is looking for a PhD student to join his research team, dedicated to uncovering the mechanisms of learning and memory, with a particular focus on the cerebellum.

It is widely accepted that synaptic plasticity constitutes the cellular correlate of learning. Yet, synaptic plasticity alone is insufficient to fully account for learning. Other mechanisms, such as intrinsic plasticity of membrane excitability, have been shown to be necessary for memory formation. Still, it remains unclear how intrinsic plasticity contributes to memory encoding and alters cognitive processes.
In this project, we will leverage the advanced voltage imaging in larval zebrafish to investigate how intrinsic plasticity reshapes neuronal behavior.

In this project, you will contribute to both engineering and neurobiology
. First, you will help build a light-sheet microscope optimized for voltage imaging at the single-cell and subcellular level in live larval zebrafish (1). The development of this system will be supported by Dr. Emmanuel Marquez Legorreta , Dr. Ernest van der Wee , and the Biology Image Center team. Once the microscope is established, you will use it to investigate the electrophysiological properties of cerebellar Purkinje cells with advanced voltage indicators such as Voltron
2.

The ultimate goal is to uncover how Purkinje cells alter their dendritic signaling and spiking characteristics under different sensory or chemo genetic conditioning paradigms, and to determine how these changes may be mediated through intrinsic plasticity or brain state.

(1) Böhm UL, Kimura Y, Kawashima T, Ahrens MB, Higashijima SI, Engert F, Cohen AE. Voltage imaging identifies spinal circuits that modulate locomotor adaptation in zebrafish. Neuron. 2022 Apr 6;110(7):.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.. Epub 2022 Jan 31. PMID: ; PMCID: PMC
8989672.

We are looking for a collaborative and responsible new colleague who meets several or all of the following criteria:

• Holds a Master’s degree in Biology or Engineering
  . Current Master’s students who have completed their first internship are also encouraged to apply!
• Has an interdisciplinary background
  , preferably with engineering training during either their Bachelor’s or Master’s program.
• Demonstrates a strong interest in, or prior experience with,
  neuroscience.
• Show enthusiasm for live imaging at single-cell and subcellular level in larval zebrafish.
• Speak and write proficient academic English
  .

• Position for 18 months
  , with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment in the first 18 months
• Gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus
• Pension scheme
  , partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU

For more information, read the document attached below
. You can also contact Dr. Ting-Feng Lin at t.f.lin