What you will be doing

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc to work on an NWO-funded project focusing on cellular and circuit mechanisms of predictive coding in the visual system. Predictive coding theory states that the brain continuously compares visual inputs it receives with an experience-based internal model of the environment, and updates this model based on the differences. This research project involves circuit analyses in the visual cortex of behaving mice to determine cellular mechanisms of predictive coding. The project makes use of a novel behavioral paradigm, advanced two-photon imaging and electrophysiological techniques (Seignette et al. eLife 2024) to study neural circuits underlying predictive coding and the plasticity mechanisms involved in updating of the internal model of the environment. You will investigate the role of two inhibitory cell types in this process, the basket- and the chandelier interneurons and closely collaborate with a postdoc studying their contribution to plasticity of excitatory neurons and their axon initial segments (see e.g. Jamann et al. Nat Commun 2021; Fréal et al. Sci Adv 2023).

What you will be contributing

• A completed PhD in neuroscience or relevant research field.
• Experience with in vivo neural recording techniques.
• Demonstrated capacity to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Highly proficient in spoken and written English.
• Experience in supervising students for research projects.
• Excellent capabilities for working independently and a team player.
• Proficiency with programming languages (Python, MATLAB, R) is a plus.

Fixed-term contract: 3.5 years.

What do we offer?

You will be joining a highly collaborative neuroscience research environment and benefit from state-of-the-art infrastructure. The Levelt lab uncovered important mechanisms through which cortical and thalamic inhibition regulates plasticity in the visual system, using cutting-edge techniques including chronic in vivo two-photon-microscopy, optogenetics and multisite recordings.

It concerns a position for 1.0 fte (38 h/week) for one year. In case of proper functioning the employment contract will be extended for 2.5 years. You will have opportunities for further development of knowledge and technical skills, through courses at the Academy and participating at (inter)national conferences. You will have extensive opportunities for training and opportunities for personal development.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 3877,00 and the maximum salary is € 5090,00 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 10, cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience

About the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience
The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience is the country's leading fundamental neuroscience research institute, in the international and progressive city of Amsterdam. It provides a critical mass of scientists (spanning more than 27 nationalities) and neuroscience facilities, in a highly interactive, dynamic, multi-cultural environment, with English as the working language.