Empathy and prosocial behavior are critical. Unfortunately, their brain mechanisms and the variables accounting for inter-individual differences are poorly understood. The candidate will examine the link between brain activity and empathic behavior using sophisticated behavioral models and advanced neurophysiological techniques such as patch-clamping, calcium imaging and opto/chemo-genetics. Early life adversity and trans-generational experiment will also be included to investigate how empathy trait are modified and transmitted. A positive, flexible, energetic attitude will be appreciated, together with the ability to collaborate with researchers from different disciplines and orgins while at the same time being an independent researcher.

• PhD or master degree or equivalent in behavioral neuroscience or related fields.
• Research experience with animal behavioral studies.
• For post docs at least two published papers.
• Experience with two photon microscopy, patch-clamping and/or opto/chemo-genetics.
• Highly motivated, energetic, detail orientated and capable to work and troubleshoot independently.
• Excellent team player.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Postdoctoral position: commensurate with experience and institutional guidelines based on the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities; CAO NU).

PhD position: The gross monthly salary coming with a full-time appointment will amount to a minimum of € 2.266,- in the first year to € 2.763,- in the third 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.

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.

The Social Brain Lab, led by Valeria Gazzola and Christian Keysers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience investigate the neural bases of empathy by combining human and animal experiments with last-generation imaging and neuro-modulatory techniques. The research group is unusually diverse, with members from more than 12 nations (from South-America to China) with backgrounds ranging from philosophy to engineering with an emphasis on biology and psychology. The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (www.nin.nl) is the country’s leading fundamental neuroscience research institute providing a critical mass of experts in the most advanced neuroscience techniques. English is the working language and is unusually well spoken in the vibrant and international city of Amsterdam, creating an attractive, progressive and easy-to-integrate environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or status as disabled status, or genetic information.