PhD position in Brain and Cognition

Updated: over 2 years ago
Deadline: 15 Sep 2021

(ref. BAP-2021-650)

Laatst aangepast : 18/08/2021

For your research, you will work with Prof. Dr. Markus and the members of his research group Social and Affective Neuroscience, part of the research unit Brain and Cognition at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium. Our research unit is an international and vibrant research environment, consisting of 14 professors and several PhD students and postdocs. The research group Social and Affective Neuroscience headed by Prof. Dr. Wöhr was recently established and aims at improving translational research models for neuropsychiatric dysfunctions through deciphering rodent socio-affective communication. It is equipped with state-of-the-art behavioral neuroscience technologies and has strong international collaborations, including ETH Zürich, Switzerland, Peking University, China, Philipps-University of Marburg, Germany, and Stanford University, USA.


Project

Rodents emit distinct types of ultrasonic vocalizations. We demonstrated that such ultrasonic vocalizations serve important socio-affective communicative functions in regulating social interactions. For instance, 50-kHz calls help to maintain social contact and promote play behavior and are associated with activity in brain reward centers, as shown in playback experiments (The Journal of Neuroscience, 2014). Their production can be provoked by pharmacological compounds, most notably amphetamine (British Journal of Pharmacology, 2021). Genetic rodent models for neuropsychiatric dysfunctions, such as autism, display deficits in ultrasonic communication (Molecular Autism, 2020). You will use combined behavioral, genetic, and pharmacological approaches (1) to examine how ultrasonic vocalizations are involved in emotional contagion in rats, (2) to test whether emotional contagion is impaired in genetic rodent models for neuropsychiatric dysfunctions, and (3) to identify relevant underlying neurobiological mechanisms, focusing on chemical signaling. To these aims, a broad array of experimental techniques will be used, ranging from sound analysis and playback experiments to targeted genetic modifications and neurotransmitter-specific pharmacological interventions.


Profile
  • You have (or will receive before the start date of the position) a very good academic degree (master, diploma or comparable), preferably in psychology, biology, neuroscience, or a related subject.
  • You have substantial experience in conducting behavioral studies in rodents and profound knowledge in neuroscience, pharmacology, and/or genetics. 
  • You have laboratory animal training (FELASA or comparable) or are motivated to complete it soon after starting the position.
  • You have a profound knowledge of statistics and statistical analysis software (e.g. SPSS). Knowledge of R, Python, and/or Matlab is an asset.
  • You have skills to critically analyze theoretical texts and empirical studies. You have a smooth writing style.

  • You can work independently, but you can also work well in a team. You are an adaptive mind and able to work flexibly.
  • You are able to successfully complete a doctoral research under supervision. You are motivated and eager to learn.
  • You have excellent social and communication skills, including English reporting skills (for oral and written communication).


Offer
  • Opportunities for professional development through the doctoral training, workshops, courses, seminars, and (inter)national conferences.
  • Working in a stimulating and dynamic work and learning environment with excellent research facilities and an international team of collaborators.
  • For your teaching activities, an experienced and dynamical didactical team.
  • A salary according to standard Belgian regulations (starting at around €2000 per month net salary).
  • Start date is November 1st 2021. 

Interested?

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following information: CV, copy of academic degree(s) along with a transcript of records for the degree studies, motivation letter including information on relevant experimental research experience, and letters of recommendation from two previous employers and/or supervisors (ideally, this includes the supervisor of the master/ diploma thesis). Please submit your application before September 15, 2021. Review of applications will begin immediately after and continue until the position is filled. After a first selection based on the applicants’ documents, highly-ranked candidates will be invited for an interview. For more information please contact Prof. Dr. Markus Wöhr, tel.: +32 16 19 45 57, mail: [email protected].


KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at [email protected].



Similar Positions