We are seeking highly motivated candidates for two PhD positions (3 years) in Bioengineering at the Neuroengineering and Bio-Nano Technology Group (NBT), University of Genova, Genova, ITALY.
Our labs are located in Genova, a small beautiful town in northern Italy, both from historical (its historical center is the largest of Europe) and naturalistic point of view (sea and mountains coexist creating a unique landscape). Genova is only 1.30h away from Milan by train and connected by plane to Rome (1.00h), London (2h) and Paris (1.30h).
The successful candidate will be involved in a research project focused on the study of the computational properties of cortical assemblies coupled to micro-electrode arrays.
The two PhD projects are the following:
We are interested to investigate how computational properties emerge in 2D and 3D neuronal populations and how information processing and transmission is related to the topological properties of neuronal networks. In this project, we propose to develop a systematic and controlled experimental approach for investigating the dynamics of 2D and 3D neuronal networks coupled to innovative high-density devices by means of advanced analysis tools. We plan to extensively characterize and compare 2D and 3D neuronal cultures by means of electrical and chemical stimulation. Within this framework we seek at developing a new in vitro and automated system for neurotoxicity tests. In the last part of the project we foresee to challenge our experimental models with chemical substances and to study the electrophysiological response with respect to specific parameters (biomarkers).
The present project aims at investigating how to effectively interact with neuronal systems by understating the role of the network connectivity in the computational properties of small/large/interacting neuronal networks. In particular, during the three-year research project, different computational network models will be developed and investigated, in order to:
i) characterize the spontaneous activity of networks of neurons with different architectures. In particular, 2D uniform/homogeneous networks, 2D interconnected networks made up of few sub-populations (from 2 up to 4), and 3D structures will be taken into account. The observed dynamics will be investigated by checking whether particular configurations may promote phenomena like synchronization, emergence of critical phenomena, interplay between structural and functional connectivity; ii) characterize the stimulus-evoked activity induced by electrical stimulation in networks of neurons with different architectures. It will be investigated whether the evoked responses (i.e., the I/O function) can be modulated by structural connectivity.
Candidates must have a master degree (or equivalent) in physics, engineering, mathematics or a related field. Essential skills comprise Matlab and/or C++/C# programming, as well as experience in computational neuroscience.
If you are really interested, please send your CV, the name and contact details of two references, a description of your personal qualifications, and a description of your research interests indicating which of the two positions you are interested in.
Please, be sure to satisfy the aforementioned requirements (master degree and essential skills). Before the hiring, candidates will be tested to verify the effective knowledge.
Important dates are:
Deadline: 15th May 2015.
Starting Date: 1st November 2015
For submissions and informal inquiries, please contact Paolo Massobrio (paolo.massobrio@unige.it)
Best regards
Paolo
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Paolo Massobrio, PhD
Assistant Professor of Bioengineering
Neuroengineering and Bio-Nano Technology - NBT - Lab
Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering - DIBRIS
University of Genova
Via Opera Pia 11A, 16145, GENOVA, ITALY
Phone: +39-010-3532761
Fax: +39-010-3532764
URL: www.dibris.unige.it;
www.nbtunige.it
http://sites.google.com/site/paolomassobrio/
E-mail: paolo.massobrio@unige.it