post-doc position in auditory neurosciences

[Arnaud NORENA <Arnaud.Norena@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

2-years postdoctoral position available from spring 2009 in The Laboratory of 
Integrative and Adaptative Neurobiology (Marseille, France).

Subject: Plasticity of the auditory cortex after diverse acoustic 
environment manipulations. Neural responses will be assessed in guinea 
pigs using two complementary techniques: extracellular electrophysiology 
(spikes and local field potentials recorded simultaneously - in 
anesthetized and possibly awake animals), and optical imaging with 
voltage-sensitive dye (in anesthetized animals). Markedly, cortical 
plasticity after a hearing loss (equivalent to a reduction of sensory 
inputs in a given frequency band) will be studied in the context of 
understanding the mechanisms of tinnitus (a phantom auditory 
perception). In addition to animal studies, the candidate will also 
contribute to experiments on tinnitus patients and test promising 
approaches aiming at reducing their sensation of tinnitus.

Motivated candidates should hold a PhD in neuroscience or related field. 
Prior experience in extracellular electrophysiology and/or optical 
imaging is preferable. Interest in the neural correlate of auditory 
perception is mandatory. The selected candidate will be expected to 
independently analyze data and write scientific papers for peer-reviewed 
journals. A good knowledge of Matlab is preferable, knowledge of French 
is not required. The candidate will be encouraged to test his own 
ideas/hypotheses as long as the required project is moving forward. 
Salary will depend on qualifications and experience. Submit a curriculum 
vitae and cover letter to arnaud.norena@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
<arnaud.norena@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>