Neuroscience, neural circuits, optogenetics.

In this project we aim to characterise processes of neural plasticity in the habenula. The habenula is known to be associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders including mood disorders. Mechanisms of homeostatic and synaptic plasticity in the habenula, however, are not well understood. Aside from electrophysiological recordings in rodent brain slices the project further includes immunohistochemistry, neuronal reconstructions and optogenetics.

The successful applicant will join a recently established research team with interests in studying neural microcircuits and synaptic plasticity utilising cutting edge techniques such as optogenetics and electrophysiology to further enhance our understanding of the role of various types of neurons in neuropsychiatric disorders.

A successful applicant has an excellent degree in neuroscience, biology, biophysics or a thematically associated field and shows enthusiasm for performing basic research in cellular neurobiology.

Hands-on experience in electrophysiology would be beneficial.

Please send your application (cover letter detailing the motivation for the proposed project, CV, certificates and the names/addresses of two referees) in one combined pdf-document per email to: Christian Wozny (christian.wozny@strath.ac.uk).

In vitro electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, neuronal reconstructions, optogenetics.

Aizawa, H. et al., 2012. Molecular characterization of the subnuclei in rat habenula. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 520(18), pp.4051-4066.

Li, B. et al., 2011. Synaptic potentiation onto habenula neurons in the learned helplessness model of depression. Nature, 470(7335), pp.535-539.

Proulx, C.D., Hikosaka, O. & Malinow, R., 2014. Reward processing by the lateral habenula in normal and depressive behaviors. Nature Neuroscience, 17(9), pp.1146-1152.

Matsumoto, M. & Hikosaka, O., 2007. Lateral habenula as a source of negative reward signals in dopamine neurons. Nature, 447(7148), pp.1111-1115.