PhD in Neuroscience studying sensorimotor control

The Schonewille lab is looking for a PhD student to study how different subpopulations of neurons in the cerebellum individually contribute to the control of movements. This project combines anatomical, electrophysiological, opto-/chemogenetic and behavioral approaches in rodent models.

The cerebellum, also known as little brain, plays a crucial role in integrating the information from our senses with the movements we want to make. Central in this integration is the Purkinje cell, receiving enormous amounts of input with its massive dendritic tree. Recent developments indicate that the cerebellum contains at least two subpopulations of Purkinje cells.

The aim of this NWO-ENW funded PhD project is to investigate how these subpopulations operate, individually and in cooperation, to coordinate and control learning and behavior. To this end, you will primarily combine electrophysiology, optogenetic stimulation and behavioral analysis, expanded with immunohistochemistry, anatomical tracing and ex vivo electrophysiology.

The Department of Neuroscience is a dynamic and collaborative environment of about 150 people across 22 research groups. By conducting groundbreaking work, as a department we aim to be world-leading in research and education. We have access to state-of-the-art equipment and techniques in a strongly collaborative environment.

As a PhD candidate you will work in the Schonewille lab, which focusses on the development and differentiation of cerebellar function and its role in sensorimotor integration. The lab aims to study cerebellar functioning in health and disease by integrating molecular biological approaches with recordings of cellular and population activity and relating both to behavior. You will join an international team of researchers with a wide range of skills and specialties.