Postdoc Position: Interdisciplinary Optical Neuroscience

Location: Netherlands Offer Description Pursue a two‑year postdoc at the forefront of neuroscience and photonics, developing all‑optical tools to study human neurons in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment. We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher for a two-year postdoctoral position to engage in highly interdisciplinary and innovative neuroscience research. The project is funded by an NWO grant and is a collaboration between the Donders Institute (Faculty of Science, Radboud University) and the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, together with international collaborators. The project involves the development of multichannel optical probes on micro‑photonics chips for sub‑micron‑scale optogenetics, the development of a neuron–computer interface system, and the use of iPSC‑derived human neurons for all‑optical physiology. The overall aim is to establish an all‑optical experimental platform to investigate how ensembles of synaptic inputs are integrated through non‑linear dendritic processes. Neurons receive ensembles of synaptic inputs with spatiotemporal patterns. The resulting neuronal responses (firing patterns) are highly non‑linear due to the dynamic properties of dendritic signal processing. Investigating this input–output transformation is essential for understanding how neurons function within neural networks. Micro‑photonics chips newly developed by Dr Imran Avci (VU) will be applied to microscopic optogenetics. In parallel, in collaboration with Dr Thomas Nowotny (University of Sussex) and Dr Eduardo Fernández (Miguel Hernández University), an all‑optical neuron–computer interface (NCI) is being developed by adapting a dynamic clamp system. By integrating the NCI into the micro‑photonics chips, we aim to evoke synaptic signals with precisely controlled spatiotemporal patterns. As a postdoctoral researcher you will take a leading role in conducting physiological experiments, including patch‑clamp recordings and all‑optical physiology. You will lead and actively engage in regular, in‑depth discussions between the two core teams (Radboud University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam), as well as with multiple laboratories within both institutes and external collaborators (University of Sussex, Miguel Hernández University). This is a unique opportunity to experience a combination of fundamental neuroscience research and cutting‑edge technological development in advanced optics.

• You hold a PhD, preferably in neuroscience, although this is not required.
• You are highly motivated to conduct research in an interdisciplinary setting.
• You are interested in both fundamental neuroscience and technological development.
• You are innovative, creative and open‑minded.
• You have experience with patch‑clamp electrophysiology.
• You are familiar with dendritic signal processing and/or optical physiology.
• You have experience in molecular biology and are familiar with, or interested in, physics‑oriented research and/or computational approaches, both of which are considered beneficial.

Additional Information

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 2 year(s).
• Your salary within salary scale 10 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38‑hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end‑of‑year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full‑time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work‑life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions.… Apply tot his job Apply To this Job