Connectionists: Postdoc in Amsterdam - http://herseninstituut.nl/en/about-us/vacancies/postdoctoral-researcher/

[Ingo W]

Hi there,

A postdoctoral position in the Willuhn/Denys lab at the Netherlands
Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) in Amsterdam is available immediately. I
am looking for somebody that comes from a computational angle and is
analysis-savvy. The candidate should be interested in studying
cortico-basal ganglia function (reward learning; behavioral flexibility;
compulsivity due to dysfunction) with cutting-edge tools in behaving rats.
Our team has a lot to offer and can teach the neuro-related skills to
candidates inexperienced in that area:

The pre-clinical group headed by Ingo Willuhn studies both the neurobiology
of compulsive behavior and basic behavioral functions contributing to
automation of behavior (
http://herseninstituut.nl/en/research/researchgroups/denyswilluhn-group/).
The team has close ties to clinical researchers studying such behaviors at
the Department of Psychiatry of the Academic Medical Center (AMC; chaired
by Damiaan Denys), providing optimal conditions for a translational,
multidisciplinary approach.

Current research in the lab includes rodent models of obsessive-compulsive
disorder and drug addiction, but also aims at understanding basic
behavioral function of cortico-basal ganglia circuits. Behavioral assays
testing cognitive flexibility, emotion, and decision making in mice and
rats are combined with simultaneous methods for neurostimulation (DBS,
optogenetics, pharmacogenetics), neurochemical measurements (microdialysis,
fast-scan cyclic voltammetry), electrophysiological recordings (single
units, local field potentials), and fMRI. The latest addition to this tool
set is in vivo calcium imaging in freely-moving animals.

The primary focus of the successful applicant will be to investigate
neurobiological signals in the basal ganglia during operant behavior using
in vivo fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and in vivo calcium imaging in
freely-behaving transgenic rats. The goal of these studies is to better
characterize neuronal mechanisms of cognitive flexibility and habit
formation, and eventually compulsive behavior. The ideal candidate has a
strong background in the analysis and modeling of complex data and is an
expert in using Matlab and/or similar software packages (necessary).
Experience in neuroeconomics, calcium imaging, and rodent behavioral
testing in neuroscience is desirable, but not necessary. Candidates should
be enthusiastic, have excellent oral and written communication skills in
English, and should be motivated to integrate well into a fun, creative,
and collaborative team of international scientists that offers
opportunities to cooperate with some of the best groups in the field
worldwide.
The fully funded position is for a period of four years (1 + 3 years),
including competitive salary and excellent benefits. Highly motivated
candidates are encouraged to contact Ingo Willuhn (i.willuhn at nin.knaw.nl).
Your email should contain a CV, brief descriptions of past research
experience, future research goals, and contact info for at least two people
that could provide letters of reference.

The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) is a not-for-profit
subsidiary of the prestigious Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and
Sciences (KNAW), located in the South of beautiful Amsterdam, just a short
train ride from the inner city. The institute’s operating language is
English, as it is for many Amsterdam organizations. The NIN collaborates
with the AMC Department of Psychiatry, part of the University of Amsterdam,
conducting neurobiological and patient-centered research on compulsivity,
anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addiction. The department aims at
developing a better understanding of neuropsychopathology and at improving
treatment options.

Looking forward to your responses!

Best,
Ingo


-----
Ingo Willuhn, PhD
Group Leader & Associate Professor
Team 'Neuromodulation and Behavior'
Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Royal Netherlands Academy of
Arts and Sciences (KNAW)
& Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of
Amsterdam (UvA)

Meibergdreef 47
1105BA Amsterdam
The Netherlands

i.willuhn at nin.knaw.nl
tel (31) 20 5665491
www.herseninstituut.nl/en/research/researchgroups/denyswilluhn-group/
www.amc.nl/web/Research/Who-is-Who-in-Research/Who-is-Who-in-Research.htm?p=4745#
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