PhD Student Position in Systems Neuroscience
PhD Student Position in Systems Neuroscience
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Job Description
The Laboratory of Cortical Information Processing Vision to Action at NERF invites applications for a PhD student to join a Simons Foundation-funded collaborative research initiative investigating how human-specific features of brain development shape early behavior and neural circuit function in autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
This position is a joint effort between the laboratories of Vincent Bonin and Karl Farrow at NERF and is part of a broader collaboration with Pierre Vanderhaeghen (VIB-KU Leuven) and Franck Polleux (Columbia University).
Research Project
Linking human-specific synaptic developmental timing to early cortical circuit function and plasticity in ASD
This PhD project focuses on understanding how altered synaptic development—particularly due to SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency—impacts the maturation of innate visual behaviors such as escape and prey pursuit. These behaviors are highly conserved rely on early-developing visual circuits and offer a powerful window into neurodevelopmental timing and function.
The research will explore:
- How human-specific genes (SRGAP2C) modulate the trajectory of behavioral maturation
- Whether accelerated synaptogenesis leads to premature or altered behavioral responses in ASD models
- How these changes reflect underlying shifts in cortical circuit function
You will work within the Bonin and Farrow Labs which brings deep expertise in visual behavior visual circuit development and automated behavioral assays.
Methodologies include:
- Innate visual behavior assays using naturalistic visual stimuli (e.g. looming threats prey-like motion)
- Pose tracking and behavior segmentation with tools like DeepLabCut MoSeq and Kinect-based systems
- Longitudinal analysis of behavior from early postnatal to adolescent stages in mouse models with genetically engineered timing of synaptic development
This work will contribute critical insight into how early brain development influences behavioral outcomes in ASD and how evolutionarily recent genes may buffer or exacerbate these effects.
About the Labs
The Bonin Lab investigates cortical circuit function in sensory systems using in vivo imaging and computational modeling. The Farrow Lab specializes in visual behavior with advanced methods for studying innate responses.
The Vanderhaeghen Lab led by Dr. Pierre Vanderhaeghen (Professor at KU Leuven; Principal Investigator at VIB) investigates the development and evolution of the human brain with a focus on human-specific genetic programs synaptic neoteny and neurodevelopmental disorders.
The labs are located at NERF and VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research is part of the VIB Life Sciences Institute and is embedded within KU Leuven one of the worlds top 50 universities offering a dynamic and collaborative research environment.
More information:
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a motivated curious and rigorous PhD candidate eager to explore the link between brain development and behavior in health and disease.
Required Qualifications:
- Masters degree in Neuroscience Biology Biomedical Engineering Psychology or related fields
- Strong interest in behavioral neuroscience development or ASD
- Programming experience (Python MATLAB) for behavioral data analysis
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with rodent behavior assays
- Familiarity with tools like DeepLabCut MoSeq or Kinect-based systems
- Interest in circuit-behavior relationships or developmental neurobiology
What We Offer
- A 4-year fully funded PhD position in a collaborative high-impact research project
- Access to advanced behavior tracking and analysis infrastructure
- Multidisciplinary training in systems neuroscience behavioral analysis and developmental neurobiology
- Integration into an international consortium involving NERF VIB-KU Leuven and Columbia University
- Competitive salary and full benefits through VIB/KU Leuven
Application Process
For more information please contact Vincent Bonin:
Please complete the online application procedure.
Please submit:
- CV (including relevant experience and any publications or thesis work)
- Motivation letter (max 1 page)
- Contact information for 2 referees
Deadline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Connect with us:
- LinkedIn:
Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders (NERF)
VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research
Discover our lab and centers:
- Bonin Lab:
- NERF:
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research:
- :
- Explore our virtual tour
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Employment Type
Full Time
