Postdoc in Neuroscience of motor control

Updated: over 2 years ago
Deadline: 07 Dec 2021

Postdoc in Neuroscience of motor control

Department of neuroscience

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for 3 years and 11 months to commence February 15, 2022.

How does the nervous system control and coordinate the movement of our bodies? In this project we will investigate how the brain and the spinal cord generate movement with a special emphasis on locomotion (walking and running). We use rodents as model animal. The work will both involve neurophysiological recordings of the electrical activity as well as optical measurements of the cellular activity associated with movement.

Information on the department can be found at:

https://in.ku.dk/research/berg-lab/

Our research

The research focus of the Berg lab has been to combine quantitative approaches of mathematics and physics with experiments using electrophysiology, genetics, tissue clearing and other biological tools to better understand the nervous system especially the motor system. 

The Berg lab put emphasis on strong quantitative approaches in neuroscience. In particular, we believe investigating populations of neurons, networks, as opposed to the single-neuron tradition, is crucial. In turn, this will likely spur therapeutic strategies for individuals with neurological conditions, especially spinal cord injuries. Our key research areas are:

  • Neuronal Population activity in the spinal cord and brain using large array electrophysiology.
  • Development of novel probe technology
  • Classification of network architecture in motor circuits.
  • Histological clearing techniques for large sample imaging for network reconstruction
  • In vivo, awake electrophysiology with chronic implantation of electrodes and optical fibers in the central nervous system.     

The team:

Having a healthy work environment is important to us. We strive towards composing a lab with a creative and diverse environment with members of different background and expertise, cultural background as well as gender. The purpose is to cultivate ideas and new ways of thinking, since this often foster breakthrough. This is important. We expect you to appreciate being a part of the team and to help other members as well as to ask for help when you need it. Doing science is difficult and it is better to work as a team.

Your Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

  • You have a PhD in neuroscience or related fields.
  • You are highly experienced in neurophysiology – e.g. extracellular/intracellular recordings, multielectrode arrays (neuropixel, neuronexus)
  • You have an active interest in motor control in neuroscience.
  • Experience in data analysis and spike sorting
  • You have performed or participated in surgery on animals, rodents.

Desirable experience and skills:

  • Experience/knowledge in Python/matlab
  • Experience/knowledge in/of image processing
  • Optical imaging (Calcium or voltage)
  • Genetic tools and virus and transgenic animals.
  • Scientific writing, making figures and publishing

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and several state of the arts core facilities.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week. The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years and 11 months. The start date is February 15th, 2022.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organization. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 36,800 DKK/approx. 4,940 EUR (October 2021 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact Rune Berg, [email protected] ; www.sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

  • Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
  • CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
  • A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
  • List of publications.
  • Deadline for applications: December 7th, 2021, 23.59pm CET

    We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

    The further process
    After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

    You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

    The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

    University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.


    Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.



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