PhD Position in Cellular and Network Electrophysiology, University of Antwerp, Belgium

A PhD position is available immediately in my new group at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium. I am seeking a talented and enthusiastic PhD international candidate with a strong background in physics, engineering, or life sciences and with some knowledge of neuroscience.

My group is interested in linking cortical single-cell and synaptic (electro)physiology to network-level electrical emerging phenomena (ref. Cereb Cortex, 2008; J Neurosci 2007; Biol Cybern 2009), while exploiting a combination of in vitro experimental techniques. These involve conventional patch-clamp recording and substrate arrays of microelectrode for both extracellular recordings and stimulation. Translation to in vivo cortical electrophysiolgical experiments in the lab, on anesthetized or behaving rodents, may be possible in a wider research context.

Previous experience / exposure to cellular neurophysiology and patch-clamp is helpful. Basic mathematical skills and good programming experience are very strong advantages, as is general computer and electronic proficiency. Interest and skills in developing non-conventional computer-controlled real-time experimental paradigms are a plus.

The laboratory is located in Antwerp, home town of the painter Rubens, 2nd city in Belgium, and receptacle of monuments, museums and churches. It is the 2nd largest harbour in Europe and the world’s top centre for diamond processing. Only ~3h away from London or Koln, and 2h from Paris or Amsterdam by train, and also served by Brussel airport, Antwerp is located at the center of Europe.

Applications including a CV, a letter of reference and a 500 words description of the applicant’s motivation, should be sent electronically to: michele.giugliano[ AT ]ua.ac.be until December 2nd, 2009.

Any inquiries should be addressed at Prof. Michele Giugliano at michele.giugliano[ AT ]ua.ac.be (mass-emails will be trashed).

Closing date: December 2nd, 2009