[visionlist] Postdoc / PhD student positions, behaving mouse visual physiology and imaging

[Vincent Bonin]

Postdoctoral and PhD  student positions in systems neuroscience 
available starting October 2011 in the laboratory of Vincent Bonin 
(Bonin Lab, 
http://www.vib.be/en/research/scientists/Pages/Vincent-Bonin-Lab.aspx) 
at Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders in Leuven, Belgium, (NERF, 
www.nerf.be) with support from Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie 
(VIB, www.vib.be), imec (www.imec.be) and K.U. Leuven (www.kuleuven.be).

The purpose of the lab is to understand the network computations and 
biological mechanisms that underlie visual processing in the mammalian 
brain. We use a combination of large-scale neural recordings (two-photon 
calcium imaging, millimeter scale imaging, silicon probes), neural 
stimulation, and computational modeling to probe large populations of 
neurons in the visual system of awake, behaving mice. We study how 
different components of the neural circuit underlie specific sensory 
computations, and how these computations are tailored to the animal’s 
visual environment and behavioral goals.

The successful candidates will apply electrophysiological and advanced 
imaging techniques to study the visual cortical circuit in awake, 
behaving mice. They will have access to state-of-the-art tools and 
facilities, a rich training environment, and the possibility to 
collaborate with other groups within NERF, VIB, IMEC and K.U. Leuven. 
Qualified students will have the opportunity to enroll in VIB and K.U. 
Leuven’s international graduate programs.

ENVIRONMENT

Founded by VIB, imec and K.U. Leuven, NERF aims to unravel the 
anatomical and functional fundamentals of neuronal circuits. NERF is 
housed on the imec campus where researchers work in cross-disciplinary 
teams, benefitting from imec’s state-of-the-art clean room 
infrastructure and a new 1,000m² neuroscience lab. The research groups 
of NERF are integrated in the research community of VIB, imec and K.U. 
Leuven and have full access to the research, technology and service 
facilities of the founding institutions. By 2014, NERF aims to expand 
its team to about 50 international researchers.

VIB is a life sciences research institute in Flanders, Belgium. With 
more than 1200 scientists from over 60 countries, we perform basic 
research into the molecular foundations of life. VIB is an 
excellence-based entrepreneurial institute that focuses on translating 
basic scientific results into pharmaceutical, agricultural and 
industrial applications. VIB develops and disseminates a wide range of 
science-based information about all aspects of biotechnology.

Imec is a world-leading research institute in nano-electronics and 
nano-technology. Its staff of more than 1,900 people includes over 500 
industrial residents and guest researchers. Imec’s research is applied 
in better healthcare, smart electronics, sustainable energy, and safer 
transport.

PROFILE

All positions: You have a university degree in the biological, physical 
or behavioral sciences. You are passionate about neuroscience and are 
eager to learn new tools to decipher neural function. You feel 
comfortable working with small animals and performing precise procedures 
such as neurosurgeries. You have strong quantitative and technical 
skills, are able to tinker with complex instruments and software, and 
are fluent in at least one programming language. You like to be 
challenged, and are able to work independently, as well as within a 
team, towards established goals.

Postdoc positions: You have (or are about to obtain) a PhD in the 
biological, physical or behavioral sciences or in a relevant field. You 
have significant research experience in systems, cellular or molecular 
neuroscience. You have strong experimental skills, experience with in 
vitro or in vivo electrophysiology, mouse genetics, or imaging, and have 
excellent scientific communication skills. You are fluent in MATLAB and 
one additional programming language.

HOW TO APPLY?

Qualified candidates are encouraged to email a letter of interest (1 
page), a short curriculum vitae (max 3 pages) and the names of 2 - 3 
references to:

Vincent Bonin, PhD

Group Leader

Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders

VIB, Imec, K.U.Leuven

Imec - NERF

Kapeldreef 75

3001 Leuven

Email: vincent.bonin at vib.be

Web: http://www.vib.be/en/research/scientists/Pages/Vincent-Bonin-Lab.aspx



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