(this vacancy is now also open for candidates with a MSc degree)

What you will be doing
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD-student (or Postdoc) to work on an NWO-funded project focusing on cellular and circuit mechanisms of predictive coding in the visual system. Predictive coding theory states that the brain continuously compares visual inputs it receives with an experience-based internal model of the environment, and updates this model based on the differences. The project is part of a collaboration in which a novel behavioral paradigm and advanced two-photon imaging is employed to study neural circuits underlying predictive coding (Seignette et al. eLife 2024). You will be responsible for the ex vivo brain slice physiology to determine the role of synaptic, axonal and myelin mechanisms involved in updating the internal model of the environment. The aim is determining the contribution of two inhibitory cell types in this process, the basket- and the chandelier interneurons and role of the axon initial segment plasticity (see e.g. Jamann et al. Nat Commun 2021; Fréal et al. Sci Adv 2023).

What you will be contributing

When you apply for a PhD-student position:

• A highly motivated, self-driven candidate with a MSc degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience or a related discipline; or an MSc degree in a quantitative discipline (e.g. biophysics) with demonstrated experience in neuroscience.

When you apply for a Postdoc position:

• A recently obtained PhD-degree (not longer than 6 years ago) in neuroscience or relevant research field.

All candidates should have:

• Experience with subcellular electrophysiology and imaging.
• Demonstrated capacity to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Highly proficient in spoken and written English.
• Experience in supervising students for research projects.
• Excellent capabilities for working independently and a team player.
• Proficiency with programming languages (Python, MATLAB, R) is a plus.

Fixed-term contract: max 4 years (PhD), max 3,5 years (Postdoc).

What do we offer?

You will be joining a highly collaborative neuroscience research environment and benefit from state-of-the-art infrastructure. The Kole lab is renowned for their fundamental cellular neuron-glia studies of myelinated axons and axon initial segment. The lab is equipped with high-end in vitro electrophysiological, optogenetic and high-speed one and two-photon imaging setups. It concerns a position for 1.0 fte (38 h/week) for one year. In case of proper functioning the employment contract will be extended for 3 years (PhD-student) or 2,5 years (Postdoc). You will have ample opportunities for further development of knowledge and technical skills, through courses at the Academy and (inter)national conferences. You will have extensive opportunities for training and opportunities for personal development.

Terms of employment
For the PhD-student position the minimum salary is € 2.770 and the maximum salary is € 3.539 gross per month for full-time appointment (scale P, cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/ KNAW). For the Postdoc position the minimum salary is € 3.877 and the maximum salary is € 5.090 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 10, cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW), depending on experience. This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience

About the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience
The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience 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.

Axonal Signalling

Within the Axonal Signalling Lab you will on an NWO-funded project focusing on cellular and circuit mechanisms of predictive coding in the visual system. Predictive coding theory states that the brain continuously compares visual inputs it receives with an experience-based internal model of the environment, and updates this model based on the differences. The project is part of a collaboration in which a novel behavioral paradigm and advanced two-photon imaging is employed to study neural circuits underlying predictive coding (Seignette et al. eLife 2024).