Project description: Visual perception elicited by stimulation of the mouse visual cortex

Electrical stimulation of the visual cortex elicits a “phosphene”, an artificial percept of light. By stimulating multiple electrodes at the same time, it might prove possible evoke pattern vision. The aims of this project are to (1) develop new methods for electrical stimulation in mice; (2) to study the patterns of activated neurons using two-photon imaging and (3) to test visual perception of electrical percepts and its plasticity in mice.

We will consider highly motivated, self-driven candidates with a degree in neuroscience, (neuro)psychology, biomedical sciences, natural sciences, material science, mathematics, physics, etc. A high level of written and spoken English and good programming skills are required. The ideal candidate will have experience with neurophysiological techniques, the analysis of neuronal activity in alert animals, and a solid background in cognitive neuroscience. Interest in the translation of fundamental research into clinical applications and close collaboration with high-tech companies is a plus.

The position involves a fulltime temporary appointment for 3 years (postdoc) or 4 years (PhD student). Starting date: Mid-2018.

We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity in society in terms of, among other things, age, sex, sexual orientation and cultural background. We would appreciate receiving letters from candidates who might widen the diversity of our team.

Postdoctoral position: This will be commensurate with experience and institutional guidelines based on the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities; CAO NU) in scale 10.

PhD position: The gross monthly salary coming with a full-time appointment will amount to a minimum of € 2.222,- in the first year to € 2.840,- in the fourth year (P scale of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

A 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus are excluded. We offer an extensive package of fringe benefits.

The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) is a non-profit research institute that falls under the umbrella of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). The institute is comprised of 17 labs, focusing on the brain and the visual system. Our research includes topics such as development, plasticity and ageing, and spans both fundamental neuroscience and clinical investigations. The NIN includes the Netherlands Brain Bank and the Spinoza Centre for Neuroimaging.

The Roelfsema lab is part of the Netherlands Institute for Neurosciences and forms part of a dynamic and internationally successful institute. The imaging work will be conducted together with the Spinoza Center for Neuroimaging and single-unit recordings will be performed in collaboration with the VUmc medical center and UMC Utrecht.

herseninstituut.nl/onderzoek/onderzoeksgroepen/roelfsema-groep/