Neural basis of sensory integration and decision-making in zebrafish

Supervisor: Armin Bahl, Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behavior, University of Konstanz

The Bahl lab is looking for 2 Doctoral candidates to explore the neural basis of sensory integration and decision-making in zebrafish. Download PDF description here.

When moving through the environment, animals continuously acquire information from their senses, process, evaluate, and remember such cues, and constantly make decisions about what to do next. The computational principles and neural implementation underlying such behavior remain poorly understood. To study these processes, our lab employs and develops closed-loop behavioral paradigms in immersive virtual reality, combined with whole-brain functional imaging, molecular biology, optogenetics, electrophysiology, and mathematical modeling, using zebrafish as a model system. We generally follow a reductionist approach, seeking to initially describe the behavioral primitives in detail. We then use computer simulations to make experimentally testable predictions of how the identified algorithmic rules and neural network dynamics can give rise to more complex emergent behaviors.
We are particularly interested in the behavioral and neural mechanisms underlying temporal integration:

• How are working memories mechanistically implemented in the brain?

• How do animals integrate information in the context of social behaviors?

• How does sensory experience shape neural circuit dynamics and decision-making?

The successful candidate will work on one of those questions, employing a combination of modern behavioral and neural circuit dissection tools. Candidates are also highly welcome to propose their own research direction.

Requirements:

- MSc in Neuroscience, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field. 

- Strong programming and data analysis skills, using at least one programming language (preferably Python), or the willingness to develop these abilities. 

- Applicants with hands-on experience in multi-photon microscopy, electrophysiology, molecular techniques, and/or instrumentation control are particularly welcome to apply.

Starting date: April 2022 (or by agreement).

The University of Konstanz and the Max Planck Society are equal opportunity employers that are committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. They seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women to apply  (Equal opportunity). Persons with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply.

They will be given preference if appropriately qualified (contact +49 7531 88 4016).