A postdoc position is available in the Vision & Cognition group at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience in Amsterdam. The aim is to understand visual perception and plasticity elicited by electrical stimulation of the visual cortex in mice, with the ultimate aim to create a visual cortical prosthesis to restore a rudimentary form of vision for the blind.

Project description and methods

Electrical stimulation of the visual cortex elicits a “phosphene”, an artificial percept of light. By stimulating multiple electrodes at the same time, it is possible to evoke pattern vision. The aims of this project are to (1) develop new methods for electrical stimulation; (2) to study the patterns of activated neurons using two-photon imaging and (3) to test visual perception of electrical percepts and its plasticity in mice. 

We will consider highly motivated, self-driven candidates with a degree in neuroscience, (neuro)psychology, biomedical sciences, natural sciences, material science, mathematics, physics, etc. A high level of written and spoken English and good programming skills are required. The ideal candidate will have experience with neurophysiological techniques (electrophysiology and/or two-photon imaging), the analysis of neuronal activity in alert animals, and a background in neuroscience. Interest in the translation of fundamental research into clinical applications and collaboration with high-tech companies is a plus. The candidate should not keep rodents or rabbits at home.

You should expect from us:

• Mentoring, supervision and training
• Access to state-of-the art infrastructure
• A stimulating international research environment

Environment

The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (www.nin.nl) is the country’s leading fundamental neuroscience research institute, in the international and progressive city of Amsterdam. It provides a critical mass of scientists (spanning more than 27 nationalities) and neuroscience facilities, in a highly interactive, dynamic, multi-cultural environment, with English as the working language.

The position is for a period of three years. Initially, the appointment is for one year with the option for an extension for the remaining period pending on an evaluation.  Pending on evaluation this may be extended.

Salary

Depending on education and relevant work experience, the gross monthly salary based on fulltime employment (1 fte, 38 hours a week) varies between €2.846, - and € 4.490,- gross per month (salary scale 10), in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU/KNAW), excluding 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. There are excellent fringe benefits.

Starting date

Mid-April 2022

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.