Postdoctoral Positions (2) – Neural Circuits in Parkinson's Disease
Position: Post-doctoral Position
Deadline: 16 March ****
Contract Length: 3 years
Country: Spain
Institution: University of the Basque Country
Department: Pharmacology
Description
The Neuropharmacology Laboratory at the University of the Basque Country (Bilbao, Spain, led by Dr. Cristina Miguelez, invites applications for two fully funded postdoctoral positions to join an ambitious international research project investigating neural circuit dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.
The selected candidates will join a three-year international collaborative project involving preclinical and clinical research groups aimed at understanding the role of the subthalamic and para-subthalamic nuclei in non-motor symptoms and neuropsychiatric complications associated with deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease.
At the University of the Basque Country, the project will specifically investigate the contribution of the noradrenergic system to cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson's disease.
We will examine how the locus coeruleus interacts with the subthalamic and para-subthalamic nuclei at the level of defined neuronal subtypes, and how Parkinson's disease and deep brain stimulation affect these circuits.
The project will use a rodent model of Parkinson's disease and combine neuroanatomical approaches, behavioral testing, fiber photometry in freely moving animals, and ex vivo electrophysiology.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and conduct experiments investigating neural circuit organization and function
- Conduct stereotaxic surgeries and behavioral testing in mice
- Perform, process, analyze, and interpret ex vivo electrophysiology and fiber photometry experiments, integrating results with behavioral and anatomical datasets
- Develop and publish experimental protocols and datasets following open science practices
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project
- Contribute to manuscript preparation, scientific dissemination, and outreach activities
- Participate in lab organization and attend regular meetings with project collaborators
Requirements
- D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, or a related discipline (completed before start date)
- Demonstrated expertise in ex vivo electrophysiology and/or fiber photometry in freely moving animals (Applicants without proven experience in at least one of these techniques will not be considered.)
- Experience with rodent behavioural testing and stereotaxic surgery
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills
- Excellent written and spoken English (knowledge of Spanish is recommended)
- Ability to work independently and in a collaborative research environment
What We Offer
- Fully funded three-year postdoctoral contract with competitive salary according to Spanish postdoctoral standards
- Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and multidisciplinary expertise
- Opportunities for outreach and scientific dissemination
- Integration into a high-profile international network of collaborators, including regular meetings, annual conferences, and mobility between partner laboratories
- Independence in a supportive, interdisciplinary lab
Application Process
- Submit the following documents via email to Dr. Cristina Miguelez at ******
- Subject line: Neuro Postdoc **** – Your Name
- Short cover letter (max 1/2 page) describing your motivation, research interests and fit with the project
- Contact details for 2-3 academic references
- More information about the Project will be published on a dedicated website shortly
Information
Name: University of the Basque Country
Location: University of the Basque Country, Barrio Sarriena, Santsoena, Spain
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