Project assistant in Biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Work duties

Visual processing in the brain is key to understand visually guided behaviors. In the nocturnal bee Megalopta genalis, we have obtained data that have led to the development of a biologically constrained neural circuit model that likely provides a blueprint for the implementation of the elementary decisions underlying most navigation strategies in insects. To understand the processing in this circuit, we now aim at describing the input pathways that provide the visual information that eventually is translated into behavioral decisions. We have obtained a large dataset of intracellular recordings from visually responsive neurons from the central brain of Megalopta genalis. The successful candidate will analyse these recordings. She/he will write and optimize code in Matlab to extract key information about receptive fields, tuning curves and responses to different light intensities from the various cell types recorded. Also, single neuron morphologies will be reconstructed in 3D and embedded into an existing reference atlas to obtain a full picture of structure function relations in the visual processing pathways leading up to the bee’s decision making center in the brain.

Qualifications

•  Education: Masters degree in Neuroscience
•  Experience: at least 6 months experience in working in a neuroscience research    lab
• Knowledge and competences:

        - training in Matlab and Amira

        - detailed understanding of insect neuroanatomy

        - experience in analyzing electrophysiological data from intracellular recordings of             visual interneurons

        - experience in confocal microscopy

        - excellence in written English.

We will place great emphasis on personal suitability. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen the administrative work within the unit/department, as well as contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

- Fixed-term employment, 1st of May to 31st of August

- The scope of the employment: 50% of full time

- Contact person Stanley Heinze

Instructions on how to apply

Applications should include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the employment corresponds to your qualifications. The application should also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).