Position: Postdoctorando
Deadline: 5 July 2022
Country: Italy
Institution: SISSA – Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati
A fully-funded, 24-month postdoc position is open from June 2022 in the Ballerini lab at the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) Trieste, Italy, to study the signalling of neuronal circuits (synaptic), single neurons and glial cells in cultured networks including organ slice-cultures in physiological and pathological conditions adopting new technologies such as pristine silicon nanowire (SiNW)-based cellular and sub-cellular devices enabling light activation of single cells or sub-cellular organelles and functionalised SiNW to target single molecule and pathways. The use of smart materials, such as nano-graphene vectors, will also be adopted. This position is in part funded by HFSP and gathers a consortium of 3 leading groups in the field (Ballerini in Trieste, Tian in Chicago and Fruk in Cambridge); the position is also funded by the EU flagship “graphene” in collaboration with 4 leading groups (Pharmacology WP5 groups Ballerini, Trieste, Kostarelos, Manchester and Barcelona,
Wickes, London and Bianco, Strasbourg).
Nanotechnology-based tools enable interfacing neuronal and glial signaling with high spatiotemporal precision and minimal invasiveness. Single-cell resolution technologies may promote the design of novel therapies to treat central nervous system (CNS) diseases, plus elucidating single-cell contribution to neural circuits may introduce transformative changes in fundamental neuroscience studies. We use a newly-developed technology based on silicon nanowires (SiNWs), to achieve photoelectrochemical stimulation of excitable cells combined to organ cultures for dissecting single-cell contribution to network physiology.
Core features of this in vitro model are the 3D organization of CNS resident cells and the preserved cytoarchitecture. This model allows the study of CNS tissue alterations induced by damage (inflammation or ischemia), addressing the role of resident cells: neuronal and not neuronal populations.
The successful candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary research team focused on the application of new technologies and smart nanomaterials to address fundamental neuroscience, with expertise ranging from nanomaterials interfacing of CNS structures (in vitro and in vivo), to electrophysiology, live imaging and microscopy. He/she will also participate in team activities, including scientific meetings, progress reports, and interaction with SISSA for outreach activities.
Eligibility criteria
Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Neuroscience, Biotechnology, Biology or similar and have solid background and expertise in in vitro culture/slice electrophysiology, live imaging and fluorescence microscopy. Prior experience with culturing is preferred. Excellent teamwork and English communication skills are required. For application, please follow this link https://www.sissa.it/bandi/selezione-pubblica-titoli-colloquio-conferimento-di-n-1-assegno-di-ricerca-area-10
Selection process
Under penality of exclusion applications for participation in the competition, along with the relevant qualifications held and the relevant scientific publications, shall be submitted online see the following link for the call and application requirements
https://www.sissa.it/bandi/selezione-pubblica-titoli-colloquio-conferimento-di-n-1-assegno-di-ricerca-area-10
Job requirements
Research field: Neurosciences › Neurophysiology
Photostimulation and fluorescence microscopy, live cell imaging, electrophysiological recordings, expression of gene encoded dyes, voltage and calcium imaging, confocal and two-photon microscopy, cells and tissue cultures,
nanomaterials and nanomaterial-based devices. 1-4 years of research experience
Offer Requirements – Required educational level
Neurosciences: PhD or equivalent
Biology: PhD or equivalent
Biotechnology: PhD or equivalent
Chemistry: PhD or equivalent
Physics: PhD or equivalent
Bioengineering: PhD or equivalent
Material Engineering: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Excellent teamwork skills
Communication in English
Autonomy
Self-motivation
Organization
Specific Requirements
Research experience in the field of neuroscience and biophysics
Experience in developing different culture systems
Experience in in vitro slice and single cell electrophysiology
Experience in fundamentals of optics and/or photostimulation
Experience in microscopy (live imaging, confocal, two photon)
Experience in electrophysiological studies using optical techniques (e.g., calcium imaging)
Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary and biotechnological research projects
Ability to generate ideas, conduct experiments autonomy and implement them
Reliability
Interest in understanding the ways in which photostimulable nanomaterials are able to alter
the membrane potential of neuronal cells and, consequently, their electrical activity
Interest in understanding the processes that govern neuronal excitability at the single cell
level and the establishment of specific patterns of neuronal activity within a complex
network, both in vitro and in vivo
For more information: https://www.sissa.it/bandi/selezione-pubblica-titoli-colloquio-conferimento-di-n-1-assegno-di-ricerca-area-10