PhD student (promovendus) microtechnology, The Universiteit van Amsterdam

Job description
The appointee will participate in the development of new microtechnology for the monitoring of the activity of cell ensembles in the brain of rodents (in particular mice) and the use of such technology in studies on the effects of the genomic manipulation of cellular plasticity on learning and memory processes. In the research project, novel devices for chronic in vivo recordings will be tested, providing an unprecedented level of miniaturization and automated, parallel data acquisition. The devices will subsequently be used to investigate neural activity in the hippocampus and neocortex of genetically modified mice.

Requirements
Candidates should hold a Masters in Neuroscience, preferably in electrophysiology and/or theoretical neurobiology. Experience in chronic tetrode recordings in freely moving animals will be considered a major advantage. Demonstrable skills in writing computer programs (for instance Matlab) and working with animals are desired.

Organization
The Faculty of Science of the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) is one of Europes foremost institutions for higher education and research in its chosen fields of specialization. It plays an active role in international science networks and collaborates with universities and industry. The Faculty has approximately 2,000 students and 1,500 staff members spread over four departments and ten research institutes. Each institute has its own research programme, a substantial part of which is externally financed by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), the Dutch government, the EU and various private enterprises.

In 2010, the Faculty will relocate to Science Park Amsterdam. Ambitious building projects are paving the way for this relocation. The move will make the Park one of the largest centres of academic research in the Netherlands.

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is one of the Facultys largest institutes. Within it, approximately 250 scientists and staff members perform excellent research centred on four themes: 1) The Living Cell, 2) Plants and Health, 3) Center for Neuroscience and 4) Life Science Technologies.

Institute members give advanced lectures and courses, while the Institute itself stimulates scientific cooperation between participating groups and colleagues from all over the world.

The Animal Physiology and Cognitive Neurosciences research group conducts research on the neurophysiological basis of such cognitive processes as memory, emotion and sensory integration.

Using a range of techniques varying from neurochemistry and cellular electrophysiology to functional brain imaging in humans, the group studies how populations of neurons in the brains code complex information, store it and merge it into integrated, conscious experiences.

The creation of this research group has strengthened considerably the neuroscience research of SILS regarding the theme Inside and Beyond the Brain.

Conditions of employment
One year contract; maximum 38 hours per week. The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of four years (one year plus a further three years after a positive evaluation) and should lead to a dissertation.

Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week), the gross monthly salary will range from 1,933EUR in the first year to 2,472EUR in the final year, according to the collective employment agreement (CAO) of Dutch universities.

Additional Information
Additional information can be obtained through one of the following links:
- About the organization
- About the function

Application
You can apply for this job before 15 January 2007 by sending your application to:

Universiteit van Amsterdam
Faculty of Science
Mrs.K. Tensen
Kruislaan 404
1098 SM Amsterdam
The Netherlands
E-mail: application@science.uva.nl