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Postdoctoral Researcher – Evolution of neuronal and non-neuronal cell numbers in vertebrate brains

 

A postdoctoral position is available to study brain cellular composition and cellular scaling roles in various groups of vertebrates. Candidates should have established interest in evolutionary neuroscience and experience in quantitative and comparative neuroanatomy. Expertise in histology and immunocytochemistry is required, experience with tract tracing and flow cytometry is highly welcome.

The laboratory is interested in the evolution of brain size in relation to cognitive abilities. Within the scope of the advertised project, a postdoctoral researcher is expected to assess how cellular composition determining the brain computational capacity varies with brain size in various vertebrate groups. The postdoc will estimate the total number of glial and neuronal cells and glia/neuron ratio in whole brains and dissected brain parts of representatives of major vertebrate clades using the isotropic fractionator method combined with flow cytometry cell counting. The results will be interpreted in the context of factors that have shaped brain evolution, such as taxon-specific physiological and/or ecological adaptations, energetic constraints and cognitive skills.

Potential aims include: standardization of isotropic fractionator protocols for sub mammalian vertebrates; quantitative assessment of brain and spinal cord cellular composition in selected vertebrates that serve as model organisms in biological research; broad comparative analysis of brain cellular composition in fish, amphibians and birds.

Position is already occupied

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