Early stage Researcher Position available - University of Antwerp

Early Stage Researcher: NAMASEN is the acronym for an Initial Training Network (http://www.namasen.net), funded by the European Commission under the FP7 Marie-Curie PEOPLE programme. Its ultimate mission is to lay the foundation of a virtual scientific institute for the multi-disciplinary study of Neuroengineering and Network-Neurosciences that will train a new generation of scientists and professionals and that will contribute to Europe’s leading role in scientific innovation.

NAMASEN targets both technological and scientific priorities, such as the development of novel multi-electrode arrays and advanced interfaces that functionally interact with neurons and networks. NAMASEN investigates neuro-electronic hybrids as devices able to undergo a functional and anatomical reconfiguration, on the basis of the activity-dependent plasticity and rewiring properties of neurons, under some control by the experimenter.
Description

Within the NAMASEN ITN Network, a 2-years position is available at the Laboratory of Theoretical Neurobiology and Neuroengineering of the University of Antwerp (Belgium), at the level of Early Stage Researchers (prospective PhD researchers). As a part of the training experience, the researcher will be based in Antwerp but will spend exchanges abroad, during secondment periods within the european ITN network.

This position largely focuses on conducting mathematical modeling as well as experimental electrophysological studies on in vitro neuronal networks, growing and developing ex vivo on substrate arrays of microelectrodes (MEAs), investigating their spontaneous collective activity, their excitability dynamics over long-time scales, and their active reconfiguration by optogenetic tools.

The NAMASEN ITN Network offers a unique research environment where leading academics will integrate accepted applicants into their research teams, providing a top-notch structured training programme in Neuroelectronics, Neuroengineering, and Nanotechnologies. More information on the NAMASEN ITN Network and this job opening can be found at: http://www.namasen.net

Nr of positions available : 1
Research Fields: Neurosciences - Neurophysiology
Career Stage: Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Post graduate)
Research Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Benefits:
The Researchers will be appointed on a full-time temporary contacts, for a period of up to two years (ESRs) including a possible secondments at a different NAMASEN partner.
The Researcher will be a Marie Curie fellow and will profit from all Marie Curie benefits, including living, mobility, travel, and career exploratory allowances according to the Marie Curie Framework 7 requirements (http://ec.europa.eu/mariecurieactions).

Application procedure:

Applications MUST include an extended CV, a motivation letter, and names and addresses of three references. Material should be addressed electronically to Prof. Michele Giugliano, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerpen, Born-Bunge Foundation, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium, michele_AT_tnb.ua.ac.b, until November 15th, 2012 (mass-emails will be trashed). For informal inquiries please contact Michele Giugliano or visit the website http://www.tnb.ua.ac.be.