The circuit mechanisms of visual consciousness
This project at the University of Amsterdam is a collaboration between Umberto Olcese and Timo Stein, testing contrasting predictions of the major theories of consciousness on whether consciousness arises via recurrent processing involving prefrontal cortex or within the posterior part of the neocortex. We develop an inter-species behavioral paradigm allowing us to link estimates of perceptual confidence in mice to subjective awareness. Using multi-area electrophysiology and optogenetics, we will manipulate cortical activity in mice to investigate the causal role of different feedback projections for conscious visual perception. Results will be validated with psychophysics and EEG decoding in human participants.
The PhD student's tasks will consist in performing challenging experiments integrating multi-area electrophysiology and optogenetics in mice trained to perform a visual discrimination task, using advanced analysis of neural and behavioral data, and computational modeling.
All application details can be found here: https://vacatures.uva.nl/UvA/job/PhD-Student-in-Systems-Neuroscience-Consciousness-Research/750673802/
Application deadline: 21 August 2022
Best,
Timo Stein
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www.timostein.net