Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a range of early-onset communication deficits and repetitive sensory-motor behaviors that have a strong genetic component. According to global estimates, ASD affects around 1% of the general population worldwide. Despite the advances in the understanding of ASD clinical symptomatology and causes, the underlying physiological mechanisms remain unknown. This knowledge gap hinders the development of effective biomarkers and therapies for ASD.
The
Cognitive & Systems Neuroscience (CSN) group, part of the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, is looking for a highly qualified and motivated candidate for a doctoral position in Systems Neuroscience to help us unravel these unexplored mechanisms. The position is supported by a recently acquired FLAG-ERA Joint Transnational Call project proposal MONAD (IMpaired cOordiNation between cortical areas as a key to diagnose Autism spectrum Disorders), and coordinated by Dr. Conrado Bosman and Dr. Umberto Olcese.
This project is part of a larger consortium aiming to unveil basic neuronal network deficits in ASD combining a cross-species translational approach (including mice and humans) with a novel computational framework. We aim to understand how an imbalance in interneuron activity disrupts the coordination between brain regions, potentially causing sensory processing impairments—a key feature of ASD. Using innovative analytical tools, we'll analyze existing datasets from recordings done in both wild type animals and a mouse model of ASD. This unique approach allows us to explore our hypothesis across different scales, from micro to macro, linking neural mechanisms to clinically relevant measures.
Are you fascinated by the ways the brain orchestrated information and communication transfer across wide areas, and intrigued by how brain dysfunctions triggers the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders like ASD? Then, this job is for you!
What are you going to do? You are expected to:
- to complete a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
- analyze an existing dataset of multi-area electrophysiological recordings with single-cell resolution in a
mouse model of autism;
- develop analytical methods to test the hypothesis that impaired inter-areal coordination correlates with
sensory processing deficits in ASD;
- assist during in-vivo multi-area electrophysiological recordings and optogenetics;
- take part in the teaching effort of the group, including supervision of bachelor's and master's students;
- write scientific manuscripts and a PhD thesis.