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EURAXESS

IF to research the development of axonal connections in the brain

15 May 2018

Hosting Information

Offer Deadline
EU Research Framework Programme
H2020 / Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
Country
Spain
City
Sant Joan d'Alacant

Organisation/Institute

Organisation / Company
Institute for Neuroscience
Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No

Contact Information

Organisation / Company Type
Public Research Institution
Website
Email
jbarbas@csic.es
State/Province
Alicante
Postal Code
03550
Street
Ramón y Cajal s/n
Phone

Description

Brief description of the institution:

The Institute for Neuroscience (IN) is a joint venture of both the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the University “Miguel Hernández” (UMH). Our mission is to investigate the development, structure and function of the nervous system in normal and pathological conditions. Our main objective is to improve our understanding of the brain, in the conviction that this is the best way to shed light on dysfunctions leading to disease. This goal is recognized as the main challenge faced by modern biology. Furthermore, given the extraordinary emotional and economic burdens that neurological and mental disorders cause, it must become more of a priority to society. In this context, the IN seeks to provide researchers with a nurturing environment to allow pursuing the most important questions in neuroscience. One strategy we follow is to encourage IN’s members to become genuinely interested in what others do, how our colleagues can help us and how we can help them. As a result of this positive and generous strategy, the Institute as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Consequently the IN has been distinguished as a Centre of Excellence in the frame of the “Severo Ochoa” National Program. This recognizes the IN as the most relevant brain research institute in Spain, and places it on the list of the most prominent research centres in Europe.

Brief description of the Centre/Research Group (including URL if applicable):

The IN is organized into functional research units that are flexible and serve as a framework that facilitates research activities and stimulates interaction and scientific collaboration among its members. At the same time, we maintain active interchange programs and collaborations with universities, research centres and neurobiology laboratories around the world.

The IN’s researchers employ different techniques that cover a wide variety the scientific fields from molecular and cellular biology, to genetics, physiology and systems neurobiology, and the IN is fully equipped with cell and tissue culture and experimental embryology rooms; SPF animal house with unit for genetically modified mice; state-of-the-art cell imaging; and specific areas for behavioural analysis including different types of arenas and mazes.

We are running an ambitious Postdoctoral Programme for the 2018-21 period that includes two year-contracts for newly recruited postdoctoral fellows. Special attention will be paid to women starting a career in neuroscience and support will be provided if their stage coincides with child care. We extend our mentoring to offer early-stage researchers the possibility of attending laboratory management courses. Similarly, although postdoctoral work does not include teaching duties, opportunities to teach on our Master’s courses will be encouraged. Importantly, we will consider the possibility of selecting a few IN postdoctoral fellows of the highest calibre for promotion to independent researchers, allowing them to develop projects with minimal supervision.

Project description:

Development of Axonal Connections in the Brain

(PI: Dr Guillermina López-Bendito)

Our aim is to uncover the principles underlying thalamocortical axonal wiring, maintenance and ultimately the rewiring of connections following brain damage, through an integrated and innovative experimental approach. Major questions are: i) the activity-dependent mechanisms involved in thalamocortical guidance and wiring; ii) the role of the thalamus and its connectivity in the neuroplastic cortical changes following sensory deprivation; and iii) reprogramming thalamic neurons for sensory restoration. Main experimental approaches: optical imaging, in utero electroporation to specifically target thalamic neurons in vivo, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture, sensory deprivation paradigms and electrophysiology [see Nat Comm (2017); Cer Cor (2016); EMBO Rep (2015), Curr Biol (2014), Nat Neurosci (2012), J Neurosci (2012), Curr Biol (2011), PLoS Biology (2009), J Neurosci (2007), Cell (2006), Nat Rev Neurosci (2003)].

Applications

  • Brief CV (1 page)
  • Letter of Motivation (max. 2500 characters)