The Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, in collaboration with Universidad de Navarra, is offering a fully funded PhD position in neuroscience. The research will focus on discovering and targeting new mechanisms to enhance prefrontal cortex plasticity signaling, with the aim of understanding how neural circuits for high-order cognitive and emotional processing are regulated and how their dysfunction contributes to neuropsychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia or depression.

The specific project will investigate novel multi-protein complexes that control neuroplasticity signaling in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region critical for cognition and emotion, and highly sensitive to stress. The research will use advanced techniques including mouse genetic manipulations, 2-photon imaging of spine plasticity, and RiboTag/RNAseq analysis in mice and humans. The project also involves the development of pharmacological and peptide-based therapeutics for mental disorders.

The laboratory provides a vibrant, bilingual scientific environment and is part of a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence. The Institute hosts multiple research groups exploring the development, structure, and function of the nervous system, using state-of-the-art approaches. The team is engaged in international collaborations and is part of a broader program investigating synaptic modulation of neural circuits and behavior.

Applicants should have a strong academic record and a Master's degree in neuroscience, biochemistry, biomedicine, or a related field. Proficiency in English is required. Experience in biochemistry, cellular biology, modern imaging, and behavioral analysis is highly valued. The position is open to both EU and non-EU candidates and is funded for 4 years, including a mobility allowance.

To apply, candidates should submit a CV and contact information for three references to Dr. Isabel Pérez-Otaño at [email protected]. For more information about the lab and research program, visit the provided links.