The Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS is seeking a candidate for the position of: Postdoctoral Researcher at Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Behavior
Number of available positions: 1
Place of work: Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Behavior
Researcher career profiles (R1-R4): R2/R3
Field of science: Neuroscience
Type of recruitment: NCN SONATA grant
Requirements:
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong background in neuroscience, particularly in the study of cellular, molecular, and behavioral mechanisms of addiction using animal models. Ideal candidates will possess the following qualifications:
- PhD in Neuroscience,
- Research Interest: Demonstrated strong interest in neuroscience research through publications and references from the candidate's thesis advisor,
- Technical Experience: Proficiency in stereotaxic surgery on mice, patch-clamp electrophysiology, or behavioral research is highly advantageous,
- Research Motivation: High level of motivation for both independent and collaborative research,
- Language Skills: Fluency in English, both written and spoken,
- doctoral degree obtained not earlier than 7 years before the year of employment in the project. The period of 7 years may be extended by the duration specified in the NCN regulations.
Project description:
dArc Side of Amygdala: a Role of Arc in Amygdala Development and Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol addiction poses a significant challenge in modern society. Despite extensive research efforts, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of alcohol dependence remain poorly understood, hindering the development of effective therapies. The activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc/Arg3.1) is pivotal in the activity of neural networks and is recognized as a master regulator of synaptic function and plasticity. However, most studies have primarily focused on Arc's function in the adult excitatory neurons of the hippocampus and cortex, leaving its role in other brain structures less explored. Using an animal model of alcohol use disorder (AUD), we have recently demonstrated that Arc levels are negatively associated with alcohol-seeking behavior regulated by Arc in the central nucleus of the amygdala. (PMID: 36357670). Moreover, we found that variations in the human ARC gene were correlated with alcohol consumption and amygdala volume. These observations suggest the causative role of Arc in both amygdala development and AUD.
In this project, we aim to elucidate the developmental role of Arc in the amygdala and its impact on the AUD phenotype using advanced methodologies such as transgenic mice, genetically modified viruses, light-sheet microscopy, and ex vivo electrophysiology. Specifically, we will investigate:
- The impact of Arc on the development of the amygdala.
- The effect of developmental Arc on the proneness to the AUD phenotype.
- The role of developmental Arc in the cortical amygdala (CoA) concerning the AUD phenotype, as well as structure and function of CoA neurons.
Scope of tasks:
- Stereotaxic surgery on mice (adult and neonatal),
- Patch-clamp electrophysiology on acute slices,
- Behavioral training in IntelliCages,
- Immunostaining and confocal microscopic imaging and analysis
Employment conditions:
- full-time employment contract,
- employment period: 3 years,
- salary: 6000 PLN (net) per month,
- dynamic international team,
- access to modern equipment and support from other experienced researchers
Application procedure and deadline:
Required documents:
- CV,
- Motivation letter,
- Two reference letters (at least one from the PhD supervisor),
- Copy of PhD diploma (or equivalent).
You can use the foreign equivalent of a Polish academic degree if it meets at least
one of the following criteria:
- is covered by the provisions of an international agreement on the equivalence of education,
- was issued by an authorized institution operating in an EU, OECD or EFTA Member State,
- was issued in another country and recognized on the basis of the regulations on the recognition of academic degrees obtained abroad (learn more about the procedure for the recognition of academic degrees:
Applications should be sent to: postdoc@nencki.edu.pl, with note “Postdoctoral Researcher AS”, with a copy to a.salamian@nencki.edu.pl till July 20th, 2024.
Contact information: a.salamian@nencki.edu.pl
Link to website: www.nencki.gov.pl
https://radwanskalab.eu/
Additional information:
Please include the following clause in your CV:
I give consent for my personal data included in the recruitment form to be processed by Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS with its registered seat in Warsaw at Pasteur Street No. 3 (data controller) for the purposes of recruitment for Postdoctoral Researcher position pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC in compliance with a legal obligation to which the data controller is subject to (Art. 6 section 1 letter a) and the Act on personal data protection of 10 May 2018 (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1000).
Information Clause:
The Controller of data is Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS with its registered seat in Warsaw at Pasteur Street No. 3.
Contact Details of the Personal Data Protection Officer: iod@nencki.edu.pl
Personal data in the recruitment form is collected and will be processed only for the purposes of recruitment for Postdoctoral Researcher position conducted by Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS.
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