We are looking for a candidate to carry out a PhD research project in the context of the ERA-NET project titled A neurocomputational biomarker assay for schizophrenia based on E/I-balance.

 The project aims to perform perceptual discrimination experiments in mice lacking the GluN1 subunit of NMDA receptors in PV cells, a known murine model for schizophrenia (SCZ). High-throughput behavioral experiments will be combined with neural population recordings and optogenetic manipulations to elucidate the relation between NMDA hypofunction, altered E/I balance in cortical circuits and perceptual discrimination deficits.

 The candidate will be part of the Brain Circuits and Behavior Lab in IDIBAPS (Barcelona) an interdisciplinary group led by Albert Compte and Jaime de la Rocha, which integrates students from different backgrounds and combines human and animal experiments with computational modeling to address questions related with perceptual decision making, learning and working memory (see braincircuitsbehavior.org). IDIBAPS is a well-recognized biomedical research institute in Spain, located in the heart of Barcelona (www.clinicbarcelona.org/en/idibaps). The PhD project will take place in the context of a broader ERA-NET consortium formed by Philpp Sterzer (Charité), Tobias Donner (Univ. Hamburg UKE), Peter Uhlhaas (Univ. of Glasgow) and Srdjan Ostojic (Ecole Normale Supérieure). The goal of the full project is to use theoretical circuit models, human EEG/MEG experiments in SCZ patients and population recordings in mice to identify behavioral and neurophysiological biomarkers of SCZ.

 The candidate should have completed two degrees: a bachelor degree in either Biology, Psychology, Physics or Computer Science (or related), and a Masters in Neuroscience (or similar). She/he should have a strong interest in carrying out animal experiments, learning modern electrophysiology methods together with state-of-the-art quantitative data analysis techniques. She/he should contact Jaime de la Rocha (jrochav[At]clinic.cat) and provide a motivation letter, a CV and the name of at least two referees. The position’s starting date will be October 1st , although exceptions may apply. Gross annual salary will be 21.7k€. Students from under-represented ethnical groups are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications will be evaluated from July 31st on, until the position is filled.