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For proper functioning of neurons, excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs should be well attuned. We recently discovered that coordination between excitation and inhibition is regulated locally within the dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons. We found that when dendrites receive strong input from clustered excitatory synapses, they can trigger the growth of a new inhibitory synapse via retrograde endocannabinoid signaling (Hu, Kruijssen et al. Cell Reports 2019). Here we aim to determine how the dendrite integrates multiple signals to actively maintain a local coordination between excitatory and inhibitory inputs. We will also examine whether dendrites can coordinate activity dependent removal of inhibitory synapses.
The PhD student will use a combination of electrophysiology and two-photon microscopy in CA1 pyramidal cells in organotypic slices of transgenic mice to study activity dependent growth and shrinkage of dendritic inhibitory synapses. In addition, the student will employ a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing approach to monitor recruitment of labeled proteins to newly formed inhibitory synapses.
We are looking for a motivated PhD student with strong analytical and experimental skills and a deep interest in neuroscience. Applicants should have a solid background in Biology and/or Physics, or a related field of Life Science. Ideally, the candidate has experience with Electrophysiology (patch clamp technique), two-photon glutamate uncaging and/or gene editing using viruses, but the willingness to learn is much appreciated.
We offer a position (1.0 FTE) for four years, subject to positive review after one year. The research group will provide the candidate with the necessary support on all aspects of the project. The gross salary ranges between €2,325 in the first year and €2,972 (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.
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