PhD Candidate for Whole Brain Dynamics of Memory Representations of Observational Fear Learning

Employment

1.0 FTE

Gross monthly salary

€ 2,541 - € 3,247

Required background

Research University Degree

Organizational unit

Faculty of Science

Application deadline

28 February 2023

Apply now

Empathy and emotional contagion are key features of social mammals, humans in particular, and permeate the way we interact with others and the environment, and the way we learn about the world. As a PhD candidate in the Neuronal Networks of Memory Lab, you will develop and employ state-of-the art neurophysiological and behavioural techniques to elucidate the neural basis of these faculties across the entire brain.
With this PhD project we will leverage the most recent methodological and conceptual advances in rodent neuroscience to decipher the underlying mechanisms and circuitry, and thereby open a window into the mechanisms behind a core element of culture. To do so, the Neuronal Networks of Memory group (PI: Francesco Battaglia) in Nijmegen, which helped unravelling how animals form spatial memories, will join forces with the Social Brain Lab at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) in Amsterdam (PIs: Christian Keysers and Valeria Gazzola), in the study of how the emotions of others are mapped onto the emotions of observers. We will refine existing behavioural models to capture how the experiences of others are represented in memory. We will map the circuitry connecting social-affective and spatial representations. Using rodent models, we will identify and modulate engrams of contexts and affective experiences across the entire brain, relating the function of areas that are known to be important for empathy (such as the anterior cingulate cortex), with the function of the whole-brain resting-state network, including the default mode network that is related to introspection and memory. We will make use of calcium, voltage imaging and advanced electrophysiology. The new PhD candidate will work within a team with strong experimental and analytical expertise. The project is funded by a new collaboration between Radboud University and the NIN.
Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time.

Profile

• You have a Master's degree in Neuroscience, Science, or Biology.
• You have a good command of oral and written English.
• You are open to further develop your scientific communication skills through presentations and publications.
• You have a strong interest in neuroscience.
• Experience with experimental neuroscience and/or a good command of programming and electronics would be a big plus.

We are

You will work in the Neuronal Networks of Memory group (link is external) , including strong expertise (~10 members) in all sectors of experimental and theoretical systems neuroscience. The lab has contributed several important results in experimental and theoretical neuroscience and is funded by several large grants (ERC, NWO, Gravitation programme). We strive for a safe, pleasant, collaborative working environment providing young researchers with what they need in order to flourish. Our lab is embedded in the Donders Institute  and in the Faculty of Science  at Radboud University.
The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class interfaculty research centre that houses more than 700 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. Research at the Donders Institute is focused around four themes:
1. Language and communication
2. Perception, action and control
3. Plasticity and memory
4. Neural computation and neurotechnology
Excellent, state-of-the-art research facilities are available for the broad range of neuroscience research that is being conducted at the Donders Institute. The Donders Institute has been assessed by an international evaluation committee as 'excellent' and recognised as a 'very stimulating environment for top researchers, as well as for young talent'. The Donders Institute fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary, supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute. The Donders Institute values a diverse workforce. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
The Faculty of Science  is a complete, student-oriented science faculty where research and education are closely intertwined. The faculty aims to form an academic community with an international character, where staff members from different backgrounds can combine their talents with the common goal of being among the leading science faculties in Europe.

Radboud University

We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 24,000 students and 5,600 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!
We offer

• It concerns an employment for 1.0 FTE.
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,541 per month based on a 38-hour working week, and will increase to €3,247 in the fourth year (salary scale P ). 
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be employed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract).
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services . Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Additional employment conditions
Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions . You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.
Would you like more information?
For questions about the position, please contact Francesco Battaglia, Professor at [email protected] .
Practical information and applying
You can apply until 28 February 2023, exclusively using the button below. Kindly address your application to Francesco Battaglia. Please fill in the application form and attach the following documents:

• A letter of motivation.
• Your CV, including the contact details of two references.

The first round of interviews will take place on Monday, 13 March.
You would preferably begin employment as soon as possible.
We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure . It offers a rough outline of what you can expect during the application process, how we handle your personal data and how we deal with internal and external candidates.
Apply now Application deadline 28 February 2023

We would like to recruit our new colleague ourselves. Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be appreciated.

Contact information

[email protected]
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When are you an internal candidate?
You are an internal candidate if you:

• Work at Radboud University (i.e. have an employment contract with Radboud University).
• Are a former Radboud University employee receiving unemployment (WW/BWNU) benefits paid by Radboud University (which started less than two years ago or resulted from the discontinuation of your job/redundancy).
• Currently work as a student employee at Radboud University through the campus employment office.
• Work as a temporary employee at, or have been seconded to, Radboud University.

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Last modified: 26 January 2023
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