MSCA - Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) on “Neural tissue engineering for studying the relation between human brain metabolism, structure and function”

Research project description

We are seeking candidates for the 2024 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship scheme, offering opportunities for early-stage researchers who wish to gain experience in other countries, acquire new skills through advanced training and develop their carrier. In particular, we welcome highly motivated and ambitious researchers of any nationality, interested in working on designing in vitro models of the human brains, for unravelling the yet poorly understood relation between microstructure, network functionality and metabolism.

It is well-known neural morphology is important for higher level brain function: the analyses of neural structure and neural organization over time is crucial for the study of neuron circuitry development during the first phases of brain growth or for probing the link between cell morphology and degenerative diseases. Function is also related to metabolism: oxygen concentration determines electrophysiological dynamics and directs brain plasticity and cognitive functions, and several neuropathies also involving cognitive impairments are related to mitochondrial – and thus metabolic – aberrations. However, the intimate relation between network function, cell arrangement and metabolism is yet poorly understood. For their highly controllability and monitorability, cellular models of the human brain can be considered the optimal tool for reaching the aim.

In this scenario, the candidate will exploit a toolkit combining biotechnologies and bioengineering. More specifically, human neural cells will be cultured manipulating their network layout, and monitored via i) advanced microscopy techniques and image processing algorithms, ii) micro electrode array technology and algorithms for electrophysiological signal processing, iii) high resolution optical oxygen sensor probes.

The main part of the work will be carried out at the Centro di Ricerca “E. Piaggio” - University of Pisa (https://www.centropiaggio.unipi.it/), one of the oldest research centres in Europe in Bioengineering and Robotics. The candidate will work within the research group led by Dr. Chiara Magliaro (https://chiaramagliaro.my.canva.site/), expert in image processing and computational models serving in vitro models of the human brains.

Eligibility criteria

• The applicant should have completed a PhD in Biomedical or Bionics Engineering or a related field from a recognized university or have been close to his/her defense (before the deadline for application – 11^th September 2024). Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will also be considered eligible to apply.
• At the call deadline, the applicant must have a maximum of 8 years experience in research, from the date of the award of their PhD degree. Years of experience outside research and career breaks will not count towards the above maximum, nor will years of experience in research in third countries, for nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries who wish to reintegrate to Europe.
• The applicant may be of any nationality but at the time of recruitment, must not have resided (or carried out her/his main activity, e.g., work, studies, etc.) in Italy, for more than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately before 11^th September 2024.
• The applicant should have a solid foundation in image processing applied to advanced microscopy techniques, signal analysis applied to electrophysiological data and computational models of oxygen and glucose dynamics. Good programming skills (e.g., Matlab, Python, COMSOL Multiphysics) and neural tissue engineering background are welcome.

Application procedure

Expressions of interest must be sent by email to chiara.magliaro@unipi.it no later than May 15^th 2024 and must consist of two pdf files:

1. Complete and updated CV, clearly demonstrating all the eligibility requirements, and including publication list, if available; copies of relevant certificates, and names and contact details of at least two referees.
2. Motivation letter, maximum one page, including a statement of your research interests, relevant skills and experience.