Gilles Vanwalleghem
https://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/613991-phd-scholarship-in-circuits-neuroscience
The Scott Lab is broadly interested in brain function at the level of neurons and the circuits that they form. Using the zebrafish model system, we employ optogenetics to observe tens of thousands of neurons simultaneously in the brains of live behaving animals. We apply this both to understanding the fundamentals of sensory processing and to describing how this processing goes awry in models of autism spectrum disorder.
Our work produces vast datasets, so we have a great need for students with interests in automated image analysis, data mining, and computational biology.
We build our own microscopes and use them to sculpt light into holograms for optogenetics and optical trapping, so we need optical physicists with an interest in biology.
All of these techniques are ultimately focused on questions related to the brain’s function and behaviour, so we have several projects available for classically trained neuroscientists. Prospective students with interests in these areas are encouraged to apply.
More details on the Scott lab’s projects, people, and publications can be found on its website at https://biomedical-sciences.uq.edu.au/research/labs/neural-circuits.
The role: Successful applicants will be provided with a School-sponsored PhD scholarship, including stipend support commensurable with current Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) rates. The appointees will, however, be expected to apply for ongoing support via the APA, UQ, and other PhD scholarship schemes. The appointees will develop and pursue projects in bioinformatics, optical physics, and/or neuroscience with the guidance and support of Dr. Scott and other lab members. They will also contribute to a supportive and intellectually vibrant lab culture.
The person: Applicants should possess an appropriate qualification for entry into the PhD training scheme, and should have prior relevant research experience.
Remuneration: The stipend is equivalent to the APA rate, $26,682 per annum, (2017 rate, indexed annually). The scholarship will be for three (3) years with the possibility of two six (6)-month extensions and is subject to the UQ Research Scholarship General Conditions (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/4.80.01-uq-research-scholarships). In some cases, a further top-up to this stipend may be available.
Enquiries: To discuss this role please contact Associate Professor Ethan Scott at ethan...@uq.edu.au. To submit an application for this role, go to http://jobs.uq.edu.au/caw/en/job/500548/phd-scholarship and use the Apply button. All applicants must supply the following documents: a Cover letter (including the names of 3 referees, one of whom should be your immediate/Honours supervisor), a Resume, and a statement describing your interests and why you would be a good fit for the Scott Lab. To be considered for the role please submit all 3 documents. Review of applications will begin on 15 June 2017, and will continue until all positions are filled.
Applications close: 15 June 2017
The School of Biomedical Sciences at The University of Queensland is an acknowledged leader in biomedical sciences in Australia. Our University is typically placed around 30 in the world’s top 100 for biomedicine, according to The Times Higher Education World University Rankings.