The Vision & Cognition group (Roelfsema lab) has an exciting opportunity for a PhD student or Post-doctoral researcher to investigate the logic of feedback connections in mouse visual cortex and their role in perceptual organization.

Project description
The logic of feedback connections in mouse visual cortex and their role in perceptual organization.

Feedback connections from higher visual areas back to the primary visual cortex are thought to play an important role in constructing a perceptual model of the visual scene, however we still have a poor understanding of the logic of the connectivity between cells in higher and lower areas. In this project, we will use high-density electrophysiological recordings (Neuropixels), 2-photon microscopy and optogenetics to examine the interactions between cells in higher areas and V1.

We expect from you:
You are a highly motivated, self-driven candidate. You have an MSc degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience or a related discipline; or an MSc degree in a quantitative discipline (e.g. physics/biophysics, mathematics, engineering) with strong interest and experience in neuroscience. Post-doctoral candidates should have, or should soon expect to obtain, a PhD in a relevant field and should have experience in collecting and analyzing neurophysiological data from awake, behaving animals. A high level of written and spoken English and good programming skills are essential.

You should expect from us:

• Mentoring, supervision and training
• Access to state-of-the art infrastructure
• A stimulating international research environment

Appointment
We offer an exciting job at a dynamic research institute and an attractive package of fringe benefits. The position is for a period of 4 years in total for a PhD student or 3 years in total for a post-doc. The first appointment is for one year with the option for an extension for the remaining period pending on an evaluation. 

Salary
The salary will be commensurate with experience and institutional guidelines based on the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities: CAO NU. Full-time monthly salary for a PhD student is € 2.395,- in the 1st year to € 3.061,-  in the 4th year before taxes. The starting salary for a postdoctoral researcher depends on experience and ranges from € 3.217,- to  € 4.402.- before taxes.  

In addition, an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus are provided. We offer travel expenses, paid parental leave, flexible working hours, 30 days paid leave per year and assistance in finding an accommodation.

Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience

The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience is an Academy research institute. It conducts basic and strategic research in the neurosciences. It examines how the human brain makes awareness, perception, movement, learning, social interaction and other cognitive functions possible. It also studies how brain disorders can disrupt these functions.