PhD position in Neuroscience

This PhD project investigates predator avoidance and the distributed brain circuits that elicit behavioral (escape, freezing) and emotional (fear) responses. Studying these circuits simultaneously has been challenging, but larval zebrafish—being small, transparent and responsive to threatening stimuli —enable whole-brain imaging of neuronal activity. This makes them an ideal model to study the neurons involved in these innate, evolutionarily conserved defensive behaviors.

Your job
As a PhD candidate in this project, you will use advanced imaging and molecular techniques to investigate defensive behaviors in larval zebrafish, providing new insights into the neurons and circuits involved. During your PhD you will develop a range of research-focused and broader academic skills, including:

• Volumetric imaging: perform experiments using a light-sheet microscope optimized for live, volumetric imaging of larval zebrafish.
• Data analysis: analyze whole‑brain calcium imaging recordings.
• Spatially resolved molecular methods: apply expansion microscopy (ExM) adapted for spatial transcriptomics to identify neuronal subpopulations underlying observed responses.
• Anatomical characterization: use transgenic lines to uncover morphological and neuroanatomical features of those neuronal subpopulations.
• Scientific communication: write manuscripts for publication, resulting in your PhD thesis and present your research at local and international conferences.
• Supervision and teaching: co-supervise undergraduate and graduate student projects and participate in undergraduate teaching.

We are looking for a collaborative and responsible new colleague, you:

• Hold, or are about to complete, a Master’s degree in Biology, Psychology, Physics or Engineering.
• Preferably have an interdisciplinary background. Previous microscopy and/or data analysis training are strong assets.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in, or prior experience with, neuroscience.
• Are interested in neuroethology and animal behavior.
• Have programming skills or a strong willingness to learn them.
• Speak and write proficient academic English.

• a position for 18 months, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment in the first 18 months;
• a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

You will join the group of Dr. Emmanuel Marquez Legorreta whose lab integrates whole-brain volumetric calcium imaging, behavioral assays, spatial transcriptomics, and neuroanatomical methods to link brain activity, circuit architecture, and molecular identity. The lab is also interested in comparative and evolutionary neuroscience. We are part of the Division of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics within the Department of Biology. Our division hosts the state-of-the-art Biology Imaging Center, which offers technical supports and training in advanced light and fluorescent microscopy. Dr. Ernest van der Wee will work closely with us supporting the development of our microscopy system. Our group works closely and shares lab space with the group of Dr. Ting-Feng Lin, who also does neuroscience research using larval zebrafish. In addition, several labs in the department pursue diverse scientific questions using zebrafish as model system, supported by a dedicated core facility maintained by professional veterinarians and technicians. Other labs in department also conduct research in neuroscience, developmental biology and other related fields, fostering an enriching interactive community and an ideal environment for collaboration.

For more information, please contact Dr. Emmanuel Marquez Legorreta at e.marquezlegorreta@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.