In humans and other mammals, vision relies on the visual thalamus and cortex, an elaborate network of areas that encode visual information interconnected by neural pathways which carry rich visual information. Decades of work on the visual system have revealed important insights into brain function, organization, plasticity, and the neuronal basis of sensory processing. The connections between visual areas, their function and organization, particularly at the microscopic level, remain elusive to date. 

The project will use a novel and powerful combination of mouse visual behavior, in vivo optical imaging and circuit tracing, and optogenetics to study the role of visual cortical and thalamic pathways in visual perception and behavior. We will apply this toolkit to explore how different aspects of the visual world are represented in different brain areas and long-range pathways and how these representations are important for perceiving stimuli of different qualities. We will characterize the specific roles of the visual thalamus and cortex in visual behavior. The data will reveal in detail how visual areas and pathways interact during visual behavior and will yield novel insights into the architecture of the visual system and the cortex. The causal link between sensory pathways and perception will affect the development of cortical prostheses to treat blindness and visual disorders. It might also motivate new applications for AI (e.g., computer vision and brain-machine interfaces).

The selected fellow will join a close collaborating group of postdocs and students focused on innate and acquired visual behaviors. Although the broad roadmap for the project has been established, this PhD position is endowed with a high level of independence. Fellows run their own research projects and work closely with other lab members to develop new assays and analyses, contributing with both methodological and conceptual insights. Fellows have ample opportunities to interact with researchers at NERF and partner labs at VIB, Imec, and KU Leuven. Career advancement activities such as presentations at international scientific events and the writing of funding proposals are strongly encouraged.

Opportunity to do cutting-edge science in a supportive and collaborative team. The candidate will join the vibrant community of postdocs at NERF and VIB – KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research. The lab has a strong multidisciplinary team with expertise in cortical and thalamocortical processing and large-scale, cellular-resolution optical and electrical recordings. It is known for its open and collegial atmosphere and the strength of its collaborative work.

State-of-the-art tools and facilities: The laboratory is equipped with dedicated surgical, behavioral, and viral vector facilities, multiple setups for multiphoton microscopy, widefield imaging, high-density electrode recordings (Neuropixels), and patterned-light optogenetics. Proximity to exciting research institutes at the heart of Europe. NERF is within walking distance of KU Leuven on the campus of imec, a world-leader in nanoelectronics research. The fellow will have access to a stipend and multiple benefits (access to university infrastructure and sports facilities, etc.). KU Leuven, established in 1425, hosts more than 40.000 students, one-fifth of which are international students. Thus Leuven is a vibrant, multicultural student city with a rich history. It is also a short train ride away from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.

Candidates with an MSc degree in life sciences, physical sciences, or engineering, strongly interested in neuroscience and quantitative approaches are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in electrophysiology, in vivo imaging, quantitative animal behavior, or data analysis is an advantage. 

We seek a highly motivated individual with strong quantitative and technical skills and a collaborative spirit. Computational scientists with an interest in experimental neuroscience are encouraged to apply.