IntroductionFor a collaborative project between the labs of
Umberto Olcese (Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Group (CSN), Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences) and
Timo Stein (Brain and Cognition Group, Psychology Research Institute), at the University of Amsterdam, we are looking for a highly qualified and motivated candidate to conduct research activities within the context of a project to test key hypotheses of several theories of consciousness in both animal and human models.
Current research in the
CSN group focuses on neural mechanisms of perception, multisensory integration, interactions between sensory and memory systems, and conscious representation.
These topics are addressed using a variety of methods, such as ensemble recordings in task-performing subjects, optogenetics, computational modelling and advanced analysis of neural data.
The
Brain and Cognition Group focuses on cognitive research aimed at unravelling the mechanisms of perception, action and consciousness. A variety of techniques is used (EEG, fMRI, psychophysics), and attention is paid to develop a better understanding of clinically-relevant findings.
As a PhD candidate, you will work at the interface between these two research groups. We expect that you, at the end of the PhD, will have provided a major contribution to the study of consciousness in the field of systems neuroscience, but with a crucial translational component.
What are you going to doYou are expected to perform a challenging experiment integrating multi-area electrophysiology (with Neuropixels probes) and optogenetics in mice trained to perform a visual discrimination task. You will also be tasked with analyzing the behavioral and electrophysiogical data that you collect. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities for performing experiments, behavioral training and data analysis.
Furthermore, you will be involved in psychophysics and EEG experiments in humans. Human experiments will be primarily performed by a research assistant, and as a PhD candidate your focus will be on analyzing the collected data. An animal facility, facilities for performing human EEG experiments, biotechnical and ICT support are available.
Next to these experimental activities, you will participate in educational activities performed at the Faculty of Science, and will also be enrolled in the Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam Rotterdam.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
- Plan and perform scientific data analysis and experiments in an independent manner;
- Critically analyze and interpret results;
- Take a leading role in writing manuscripts;
- Present your results at (inter)national scientific meetings;
- Collaborate with international and local researchers;
- Participate in the Faculty of Science PhD training programme;
- Assist in teaching undergraduates and Master's students;
- Co-supervise junior scientists (technicians, MSc/BSc students).