[Comp-neuro] Postdoctoral position in experimental/theoreticall neuroscience in Heraklion, Crete (Poirazi lab)

[Yiota Poirazi]

*POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN EXPERIMENTAL/THEORETICAL NEUROSCIENCE*

The Computational Biology Lab 
(http://www.imbb.forth.gr/people/poirazi/index.htm) at the Institute of 
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and 
Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH, _www.imbb.forth.gr 
<http://www.imbb.forth.gr/>_), headed by Dr. Panayiota Poirazi 
(http://www.imbb.forth.gr/personal_page/poirazi_new.html), invites 
applications for a *postdoctoral (or senior researcher) position* (24 
months) that will be available immediately as part of the EC-FP7 Marie 
Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) NAMASEN offering research training 
in Neuroelectronics and Nanotechnology: towards a Multidisciplinary 
Approach for the Science and Engineering of Neuronal Networks.

For more information on the NAMASEN network/project, please see the 
*NAMASEN site (http://www.namasen.net).*

The title of the individual research project at CBL is: *"Clustered 
plasticity and network emergent states"*

The fellow will focus on the mathematical investigation and 
machine-learning classification of collective electrical properties, 
emerging in neuronal networks coupled to multielectrode arrays and 
neuroelectronic hybrids. Specifically, he/she will first use patch clamp 
recordings to study the passive and active electrophysiological 
properties of neurons in /in vitro/ neuronal networks as well as the 
presence of synaptic currents following electrical stimulation. In 
addition, different stimulation protocols will be applied to study 
whether neuronal networks express specific types of plasticity. We are 
mostly interested in identifying stimuli that are predicted 
theoretically to give rise to highly interconnected neuronal sub-networks.
He/she will then explore the consequences of clustered plasticity rules 
in conductance-based model neurons. Modeling studies will be performed 
using the NEURON simulation environment in order to build a network of 
detailed compartmental models of neurons, where synapses capable of 
exhibiting plasticity properties like the ones recorded in the 
physiological experiments will be incorporated. Models will be used to 
generate predictions about how specific stimuli delivered either to 
randomly selected neurons in a distributed manner throughout the model 
system or to nearby neurons in a specific location (clustered) of the 
model system could alter the electrical and/or structural properties of 
the network.

*The methodologies to be used in this project include **patch-clamp 
recordings and computational modelling, **therefore****the fellow should 
ideally have**previous training in both or either of these techniques. *

The researcher will be based for most of his/her time at the Institute 
of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) at the Foundation for 
Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH, Greece), supervised by 
internationally recognized experts and have access to state-of-the-art 
equipment. Hands-on project training will be supplemented with formal 
training courses in relevant and related fields, and a wide variety of 
complementary training courses, colloquia and seminars. In order to 
ensure exposure to complementary research and industry environments, 
mobility of researchers in the form of detachment to one or more of the 
ITN partners is planned and expected for up to 10-15% of the duration of 
the fellowship.

According to the eligibility criteria, the fellow *MUST NOT*

1.be a Greek citizen,

2.have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, 
etc.) in Greece for more than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately 
prior to Apr 1st 2012 .

3.have worked in a research position / received research training for 
more than 5 years of his/her undergraduate degree.

Each member of the NAMASEN consortium is an equal opportunity employer. 
In particular, applications are strongly encouraged from female 
candidates. Candidates of all nationalities may apply for the fellowship.

Candidates will be selected taking into account their:

·ability to work in a multidisciplinary team;

·willingness to travel and communicate in an international, 
inter-sectorial environment, and to broaden their experience and skills 
through complementary training (e.g. languages, management and 
communication courses, technology transfer and intellectual property 
issues, etc.).

Proficiency in English is required.

Candidates should send a *resume and two (2) reference letters* to 
poirazi at imbb.forth.gr. If possible, recommendations should be send by 
the referees directly by email at *poirazi at imbb.forth.gr*.



-- 

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
?mail: poirazi at imbb.forth.gr
URL: http://www.imbb.forth.gr/personal_page/poirazi.html



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