PhD in Neuroscience in Netherlands

It is still largely a mystery how collections of neurons give rise to conscious perception. By now we have some idea of the brain systems involved, but the neural mechanisms and ensemble interactions correlated to perception remain unresolved. In the current project we will investigate how neural ensembles in multiple brain areas respond to visual images, and which types of transmitter receptor in these areas are important for perceptual discrimination. Specifically, we will focus on the interaction between sensory and memory systems in this project. To this end, we will apply multi-area ensemble recordings combined with neuroopharmacology in freely behaving rodents. At a later stage of the project, results will be used to design new computational models of perceptual discrimination. The project will be conducted as part of the UvA’s research priority program Brain and Cognition, in a multidisciplinary collaboration combining psychological, neurobiological, neuroimaging and image-processing research (see www.csca.nl).

Requirements

• A Master of Science degree in Neuroscience or Cognitive Neuroscience (or equivalent)
• Experience with experimental neurophysiology, animal behaviour and computer programming
• Affinity with computational modelling and data analysis techniques
• Ability to work in a team and also independently
• Interest in perception, consciousness, learning and memory

Further information

Project information can be obtained from Prof. Cyriel Pennartz (c.m.a.pennartz@uva.nl; +31-20-5257618).

Appointment

The full-time appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of four years (18 months plus a further 30 months after a positive evaluation) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. The PhD student is also expected to assist in teaching of undergraduates.

Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €2042 in the first year and €2612 in the final year, according to the Dutch salary scales for PhD students. The collective employment agreement (CAO) of Dutch universities is applicable.

Job application

Applications, quoting the vacancy number and marked strictly confidential (in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope) should include a curriculum vitae. Applications should be sent to:

Universiteit van Amsterdam
FNWI Dienst Personeelszaken
Postbus 94216
1090 GE Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Applications can also be emailed to application-science@uva.nl, bearing the vacancy number in the subject line and relevant documents as attachments.

The closing date is 21 February 2011.