Jobid=9efc2bf797f5 (0.1014)
We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher for a two-year postdoctoral position to engage in highly interdisciplinary and innovative neuroscience research. The project is funded by an NWO grant and is a collaboration between the Donders Institute (Faculty of Science, Radboud University) and the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, together with international collaborators.
The project involves the development of multichannel optical probes on micro-photonic chips for submicron-scale optogenetics, the development of a neuron–computer interface system, and the use of iPSC-derived human neurons for all-optical physiology. The overall aim is to establish an all-optical experimental platform to investigate how ensembles of synaptic inputs are integrated through non-linear dendritic processes.
Neurons receive ensembles of synaptic inputs with spatiotemporal patterns. The resulting neuronal responses (firing patterns) are highly non-linear due to the dynamic properties of dendritic signal processing. Investigating this input–output transformation is essential for understanding how neurons function within neural networks.
Micro-photonic chips newly developed by Dr Imran Avci (VU) will be applied to microscopic optogenetics. In parallel, in collaboration with Dr Thomas Nowotny (University of Sussex) and Dr Eduardo Fernández (Miguel Hernández University), an all-optical neuron–computer interface (NCI) is being developed by adapting a dynamic clamp system. By integrating the NCI into the micro-photonic chips, we aim to evoke synaptic signals with precisely controlled spatiotemporal patterns.
As a postdoctoral researcher you will take a leading role in conducting physiological experiments, including patch‑clamp recordings and all‑optical physiology. You will lead and actively engage in regular, in‑depth discussions between the two core teams (Radboud University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam), as well as with multiple laboratories within both institutes and external collaborators (University of Sussex, Miguel Hernández University).
This is a unique opportunity to experience a combination of fundamental neuroscience research and cutting-edge technological development in advanced optics.
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