Postdoc Position: Interdisciplinary Optical Neuroscience

Pursue a two‑year postdoc at the forefront of neuroscience and photonics, developing all‑optical tools to study human neurons in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher for a two-year postdoctoral position to engage in highly interdisciplinary and innovative neuroscience research. The project is funded by an NWO grant and is a collaboration between the Donders Institute (Faculty of Science, Radboud University) and the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, together with international collaborators.

The project involves the development of multichannel optical probes on micro-photonic chips for submicron-scale optogenetics, the development of a neuron–computer interface system, and the use of iPSC-derived human neurons for all-optical physiology. The overall aim is to establish an all-optical experimental platform to investigate how ensembles of synaptic inputs are integrated through non-linear dendritic processes.

Neurons receive ensembles of synaptic inputs with spatiotemporal patterns. The resulting neuronal responses (firing patterns) are highly non-linear due to the dynamic properties of dendritic signal processing. Investigating this input–output transformation is essential for understanding how neurons function within neural networks.

Micro-photonic chips newly developed by Dr Imran Avci (VU) will be applied to microscopic optogenetics. In parallel, in collaboration with Dr Thomas Nowotny (University of Sussex) and Dr Eduardo Fernández (Miguel Hernández University), an all-optical neuron–computer interface (NCI) is being developed by adapting a dynamic clamp system. By integrating the NCI into the micro-photonic chips, we aim to evoke synaptic signals with precisely controlled spatiotemporal patterns.

As a postdoctoral researcher you will take a leading role in conducting physiological experiments, including patch‑clamp recordings and all‑optical physiology. You will lead and actively engage in regular, in‑depth discussions between the two core teams (Radboud University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam), as well as with multiple laboratories within both institutes and external collaborators (University of Sussex, Miguel Hernández University).

This is a unique opportunity to experience a combination of fundamental neuroscience research and cutting-edge technological development in advanced optics.

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 2 year(s).
• Your salary within salary scale 10 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions
Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.

Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

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The experiments will be conducted at the Donders Centre for Neuroscience (DCN) at the Faculty of Science of Radboud University, where a team of scientists – Dr Richard van Wezel, Dr Corette Wierenga and Dr Marijn Kuijpers – will collaborate to perform patch-clamp recordings, optical voltage recordings and optogenetic experiments on iPSC-derived human neurons.

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Richard van Wezel. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on Monday 30 March. You will preferably start your employment as soon as possible.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.

Do you already work at Radboud University and have questions about making an internal move? Learn more about internal applications.