PhD in Primate Chemogenetics
We invite applications to a fully funded PhD position in Primate Chemogenetics, starting at 2025. The project aims to unravel the neural mechanisms underlying complex adaptive behaviors in primates, by utilizing cutting-edge chemogenetic tools to selectively manipulate neuronal circuits.
Project Overview:
The successful candidate will participate in a multidisciplinary research consortium PRIMADIS - "Chemogenetic dissection of primate brain circuits underlying adaptive cognition", aiming to elucidate the mechanisms of perceptual, sensorimotor, and social decision-making in the primate brain. Central to this research is the role of the thalamic pulvinar, a key subcortical nucleus in primates with extensive connections to the frontoparietal and visual cortices. The project investigates how silencing specific pulvinar-cortical projections impacts behavior and neural processing in dynamic decisional environments.
The research will involve:
Implementing chemogenetic tools such as advanced Designer Receptors Activated Only by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) for targeted pathway-specific neuronal manipulation.
Conducting behavioral and electrophysiological assays in macaques.
Employing imaging techniques such as MRI or PET.
Collaborating with a diverse team of neuroscientists and biologists.
Qualifications:
We seek a highly motivated candidate with the following background:
A Master’s degree in neuroscience, biology, biophysics, biomedical engineering or a related field.
Genuine interest in understanding the neural basis of primate cognition and behavior, problem-solving aptitude, and rigorous scientific attitude are a must.
Hands-on experience with molecular biology, viral transfection, electrophysiology, or in vivo imaging is highly desirable.
Programming skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or R) and experience with data analysis are advantageous.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
What We Offer:
A dynamic, interdisciplinary and international collaborative research environment at the German Primate Center.
State-of-the-art facilities for primate research and housing, expensive technical support.
Opportunities for high visibility due to international collaborations and conference participations.
The successful candidate will be enrolled in the PhD program “Systems Neuroscience” of the Graduate School of Goettingen University: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/664681.html
How to Apply:
Applicants should submit the following documents as a single PDF file:
A cover letter describing your research interests, motivation and suitability for the position.
Your CV, including a list of publications (if any).
Contact information for two referees.
Please send your application or inquires to Igor Kagan, ikagan(at)dpz.eu. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, including a presentation of their previous work.
For more information about this research project, please visit https://www.dpz.eu/en/news/news/single-view/news/eine-gentechnisch-unterstuetzte-reise-ins-primatengehirn.html