[Comp-neuro] Multiple ERC-funded PhD and postdoc potions in Brain Modelling in Crete (Poirazi lab)

3 PhD and 3 Postdoctoral positions funded by the ERC Starting Grant dEMORY are available as of October 1^st 2012 at IMBB-FORTH in Crete, in the lab of Dr. Panayiota Poirazi.

PhD positions:

·        Available for 4 years each, funded by a full research scholarship.

·      Requirements: Bachelor + Master’s degree in a Neuroscience related field (Neuroscience, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Medicine)

Postdoctoral positions:

·        Available for 2+2 years, with a salary of 2,000-3,000 €/month (net).

·        Requirements: Expertise in computational neuroscience, preferably in compartmental modeling and neural/dendritic computations.

THE PROJECT: Dissecting the Role of Dendrites in Memory

The goal of this work is to characterize the role of dendrites in learning and memory processes so as to formulate a unifying theory regarding their contribution in memory formation across brain regions and abstraction levels. This will be achieved via the development of computational models that start at the single cell level and expand to the microcircuit and the network level, while varying in their degree of biophysical detail. Models will express a distinct memory function, specific to the region they belong to: the hippocampus the prefrontal cortex or the amygdala. By manipulating the biophysical, anatomical and plasticity properties of dendrites and tracking the effect on memory, the project aims to infer the key rules by which these thin structures shape mnemonic processes. These rules will then form the basis for deducing theoretical abstractions of trainable neurons with dendrites. In conclusion, this research activity aims to cause a paradigm shift in the way we currently understand learning and memory processes, whereby the dendrites, as opposed to the single neuron, are the key players.

For a slide presentation of the project, please see: http://www.imbb.forth.gr/people/poirazi/drupal/sites/default/files/docs/ERC-STG-2012-dEMORY-Poirazi.pdf

IMBB-FORTH

The Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) is one of the top European Research Centers. It has ranked 1^st in terms of high impact publications in Greece and 12^th in the number of FP7 grants in Europe. It should be noted that since the establishment of the ERC grant scheme in 2007, a total of 28 scientists working in Greek Institutions have been awarded with such prestigious grants and 6 of them are located in Institutes of FORTH.

 

The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) at FORTH is the top Biological Institute in Greece, in terms of high quality personnel, publications, infrastructure and competitive grants. IMBB-FORTH is located in Heraklion, one of the most ancient and historical Greek cities, on the picturesque island of Crete. Crete, the homeland of major artists, such as El Greco and Nikos Kazantzakis, impressively combines the outstanding geophysical variety (forests, mountains, gorges, and beaches) with its rich history of thousands of years, resulting in the well-known Cretan culture and cuisine.

 

THE POIRAZI LAB

The Computational Biology Laboratory at IMBB-FORTH performs research that is at the forefront of Computational Neuroscience. The work of Dr. Poirazi led to several high impact publications, some of which have shaped the field of dendritic computations. This work received prestigious awards, including the EMBO Young Investigator Award in 2005, 2 Marie Curie Fellowships and the European Research Council (ERC) starting grant in 2012.

 

TO APPLY:

Candidates that match the required profile will be continuously interviewed until the positions are filled. Candidates should send a resume and two (2) reference letters to poirazi[at]imbb.forth.gr. If possible, recommendations should be sent by the referees.

--     Panayiota Poirazi, Ph.D.  Research Associate Professor  Computational Biology Laboratory  Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB)  Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH)  Vassilika Vouton  P.O.Box 1385  GR 711 10 Heraklion, Crete  GREECE    Tel: +30 2810 391139  Fax: +30 2810 391101  Εmail: poirazi@imbb.forth.gr  URL: http://www.imbb.forth.gr/personal_page/poirazi.html