The Brain Plasticity, led by Dr. Alba Vieites-Prado, is seeking a highly motivated candidate for a predoctoral position in the field of circuits neuroscience and brain plasticity. The successful applicant will join the project entitled "Activity-dependent structural rewiring of adult brain circuits", funded by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación.
Our project studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying long-range circuit remodeling in the adulthood. The successful candidate will characterize the transcriptional signature of different cell types while undergoing plastic remodeling. The candidate will use methods for snRNAseq, whole-brain FISH and animal behavior.
Profile of the Candidate:
- Genuine enthusiasm for neuroscience and bioinformatics.
- Academic background in Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics or similar (with a grade point average ≥ 7.5).
- The candidate must hold a Master’s degree or be in the final stages of completing it.
- Basic programming skills (python) or potential to develop them.
What we offer:
- Close scientific mentorship to support the successful development of your PhD project.
- Hands-on training in cutting-edge techniques for 3D brain mapping (including tissue clearing, light-sheet microscopy or image analysis using computational methods), animal surgery and behavior, and molecular biology techniques.
- Access to international advanced training programs and opportunities for scientific exchange.
- Continuous mentoring to help you define and achieve your long-term career goals.
Starting date and duration: September-October 2025. Initial 12-month contract, renewable. Application for competitive grants will be encouraged and supported.
About the CIMUS: The Brain Plasticity lab is located at the CIMUS, a dynamic research institute that brings together over 250 scientists working in diverse fields (aging, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular or neurodegenerative diseases among others). The CIMUS offers a competitive scientific environment, having recently been recognized as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence (2024), an award that distinguishes leading research institutions in Spain for their high-impact output and international leadership. The institute is located in Santiago de Compostela, a welcoming, safe and affordable university town.
Send your CV and a sh ort cover letter to: alba.vieites.prado@usc.es. Interviews will take place by mid-July.