jeudi 18 mai 2017

Postdoctoral positions available for studying vocal learning in bats

Dear songbird researchers, 
We are seeking exceptional post-docs with expertise in songbird research to join our team working on vocal learning in bats :) 
Our lab at UC Berkeley (affiliated with the department of bioengineering and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute) has been developing this novel line of research to study the detailed neurobiological basis of vocal learning in the mammalian brain utilizing one of the few mammalian species believed to be capable of vocal learning - the Egyptian fruit bat. 
Our hope is that the scientific knowledge gained through our studies will complement the remarkable work done on vocal learning in the songbird and further underscore its importance and translation power for vocal learning in mammals, including humans. 
Needless to say this new line of research is at an early stage of development but already a lot of progress has been made underscoring its importance and feasibility. Moreover, its novelty and impact is precisely what makes this so exciting, at least for us :) 
We tackle this unexplored topic using a wide array of cutting-edge novel technologies we have recently established in our species of bats for the very first time which includes: 
  • Miniaturized wireless electrophysiology in freely behaving bats.
  • Optogenetics for testing both gain and loss of function as well as for circuit mapping. 
  • Calcium imaging in freely behaving (and soon flying) bats.
  • Anatomical studies (tracing, immunohistochemistry, genetic manipulation).
  • Behavioral investigations (ranging from natural behavior to fully automated [but more artificial] training systems for vocal production and learning).
  • and others.
If you know of superb people who would be interested in joining this new and exciting line of research please have them get in touch with me. 
Looking forward to seeing many of you at SFN this year :)
Thank you! 
Michael