PhD Candidate in Neuronal Imaging, Optogenetics and Perception

Join Us in unravelling the brain mechanisms of visual perception!

Join us!

TheCognitive and Systems Neuroscience (CSN) group is looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate to investigate the neural basis of visual perception and sensory integration in the context of a NWO-Gravitation grant (Dutch Brain Interfaces Initiative DBI2). You will use a groundbreaking combination of techniques: neuronal ensemble imaging optogenetics and animal behavior.

This is what you will do

You will join a UvA team collaborating with a nationwide group of scientists that aims to unravel neural mechanisms of vision and multisensory integration. One of the major questions in the neuroscience of conscious vision is how the visual cortex integrates photic information with other modalities including audition and motor activity. The primary visual cortex not only processes photic information but also harbours neuronal ensembles responding to auditory stimuli and motor movement. We will visualize the physiological activity of such ensembles and non-visual cortical areas using 2-photon imaging. By applying optogenetic techniques and closed-loop interface technology we will investigate which of these ensembles play a causal role in visual and multisensory decision-making. Results will be embedded in an integrated framework involving computational modelling and theoretical neuroscience and will help assess a specific theory of consciousness (neurorepresentationalism).

Tasks and responsibilities:

• complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;

• perform a series of experiments targeting 2-photon imaging and optogenetic manipulation of cortical areas during a task requiring multisensory change detection with additional work in multi-area electrophysiology (with e.g. Neuropixels probes) histology and widefield calcium imaging;
• interpret findings in the context of a theoretical framework on consciousness postulating that interactions between sensory modalities in cortex subserve multisensory integration and segregation;
• perform advanced analysis of acquired experimental data and publish the results. You will have access to top notch facilities for performing experiments behavioral training and data analysis. You will collaborate with a data analyst and other group members in these activities. Animal facilities as well as biotechnical and ICT support are available;
• interact with local researchers colleagues in the DBI2 Gravitation Consortium and international institutions which will be conducive to the success of the project;
• assist in practical activities associated with academic courses and internships (Msc/Bachelor level).

What we ask of you

You are passionate about science and have a particular interest in brain mechanisms of multisensory processing visual perception and consciousness. You enjoy performing experimental lab work in the field of systems neuroscience but are also enthusiastic about data analysis and use of computational tools. You have a creative mind and look forward to working on cutting-edge scientific questions. Finally you are a team player and a nice colleague who enjoys being part of an interdisciplinary team.

Your experience and profile

• a Msc degree preferably in neuroscience experimental neurophysiology or related field;
• significant experience with in vivo optogenetics animal behaviour electrophysiology (silicon probes or similar) and/or neuronal imaging with cellular resolution and surgical techniques;
• significant experience in animal training and behaviour;
• experience in or at least affinity with computational neuroscience and/or theory of consciousness;
• experience in computer programming (Matlab Python) and neural data analysis;
• FELASA B (article 9) license for animal experiments is considered an advantage;
• fluency in English both written and spoken;
• good analytical writing and presenting skills.

This is what we offer you

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is 1 October 2025.This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from 2901 in the first year to 3707 (scale P) in the last year. This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 83% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD candidate applicable. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Curious about our extensive secondary benefits package You can read more about it here.

You will work in this team

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences is located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdams Faculty of Science (FNWI). With around 240 employees SILS carries out internationally high-quality life science research and provides education within various university programs. Research is also carried out in close cooperation with the medical biotech chemical agricultural and neurotechnology industries and revolves around 4 main themes Cell & Systems biology Neurosciences Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

The Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Group performs top notch research in neurophysiology computational brain modelling and theory of consciousness perception and sensory integration. The group has recently strengthened its unique profile by including a branch in neurophilosophy. Prominent methodologies in the group are electrophysiology neuronal imaging (both with cellular resolution) human and animal behavior pupillometry computational models of perception whole-brain modelling and data analytics.

If you feel the profile fits you and you are interested in the job we look forward to receiving your application. We accept applications until and including 7 September 2025.If you have any questions or do you require additional information Please contact:

• Prof. Dr. Cyriel Pennartz Group Head 31 (0)
• Dr. Umberto Olcese Associate Professor 31 (0)

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted inone single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;
• a copy of your Masters thesis (when available; if not yet available please include a copy of your Bachelors thesis);
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation (at least one of whom should be main supervisor of your Master thesis or one Master internship);
• a list of all university courses taken including a transcript of grades.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details:national knowledge security guidelines)

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

We will recruit until the position is filled. The selection process commences immediately but will close when a suitable candidate has been found even if this is prior to the final date of the application window.