The El-Boustani Lab at the University of Geneva is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to research the plasticity mechanisms underlying the learning of goal-directed sensorimotor associations in mice.

This project involves whole-brain mappings, two-photon calcium imaging of neuronal populations, as well as dendritic spine imaging in mice during the acquisition of perceptual decision-making tasks. Genetically encoded tools will be used to dissect the circuits that contribute to the learning of these tasks, and state-of-the-art behavioral modeling will help infer the timescales of synaptic plasticity. Successful applicant will contribute to a collaborative research program focused on understanding how changes in specific sensorimotor synapses underpin the acquisition of new associations.

We welcome applicants with diverse quantitative backgrounds, including but not limited to neuroscience, mathematics, physics, and engineering. We are especially interested in applicants with excellent programming skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python), and experience with mouse behavior and/or imaging techniques through cranial windows. Switzerland offers a vibrant neuroscience community with outstanding research conditions and attractive salaries.

Candidates should send their CV, at least two references and a brief cover letter describing their previous work and future goals to Sami El-Boustani: sami.el-boustani@unige.ch.

Please visit http://elboustani-lab.org/ for more details.